THE COLLEGE HUNT. 15 



Of the 1867 season I have no recollection. I was not allowed 

 to run for reasons of health, and I cannot even remember the 

 name of the Master ; possibly this was the year of amalgamation." 



Here is the first run recorded in the Journal Book : 



''The E.C.H. met for the first time this season at the 

 kennels. There was a large muster. The hounds were laid on 

 in a wheat field of Gough's adjoining the S.W.R. and ran at a 

 tremendous pace down the grass meadows, crossing the S.W.R. 

 and into Datchet plantation, in the plough beyond which a check 

 ensued, which allowed time for the remainder of the field to get 

 up with hounds. Some cold hunting now ensued, but hitting 

 the scent off in one of Cantrell's fields near Ditton Park they 

 carried it at a great pace as if for Langley Church. The pace 

 however was too good, and they ran into him in a field adjoining 

 the London Road. 



" After an interval of about ten minutes the hounds were 

 laid on in a field adjoining Ditton Park, and, the scent having 

 considerably improved, it was but few could live with them. 

 The fencing here was very severe, numerous being the purls, and 

 some stiff water-jumps intervened to cool the ardour of gentlemen 

 who were too ambitious of shewing in the front. It was evident 

 from the terrific pace they were now holding that nothing could 

 live before them. And it was not long before they ran into 

 their prey just as he was crossing the Upton Road." 



There is a complaint at the end of the field pressing on the 

 pack, '' and that there was far more noise than is consistent with 

 the decorum of the hunting field." 



Here is a merry account : 



" The running of the hounds could be seen all the way from 

 Riding Court up to the Langley Road, and it was pronounced 

 by all to be faultless. While a drag was being sent back two 

 fields were drawn blank. The hounds, having been laid on, 

 ran from Langley Broom down to Datchet Wood. The way in 

 which they swung their own casts was the admiration of all 

 beholders. ' Hark ! forrard ! ' was again the cry as they bowled 

 like marbles over the crest of the hill, making the welkin ring 

 with their melody. When in the bottom they bent to the left; 

 each hound scoring to the cry, as with the pack at her heels puss 

 sought the friendly coverts of Ditton Park, having crossed the 

 line which the drag had taken in full sight of the hounds. The 

 huntsman and first whip, kindly assisted by Mr. Lewis, soon got 

 the hounds out again. Home was now the word, and home we 

 went after genuine sport, the field declaring that the only doubt 

 was which was the better run of the two." 



