30 THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 



enjoyment of them, from the peculiar nature and disposition 

 of it. Indeed, a friend of mine says that the very act of 

 riding to cover over Leicestershire, on a hunter, is nearly 

 equal to following hounds in a run over a great many of 

 the provincial countries. But that I should have had a 

 good season's sport up to this period, and especially as the 

 weather has been so favourable to it, is not in the least to 

 be wondered at, when I say that I have generally hunted 

 with the hounds of the first sportsman that England has 

 hitherto seen." 



Mr. Raby. " Of course you mean Mr. Meynell, who 

 hunts what is called the Quorndon, or Quorn country, 

 whom I have heard so much of, but never had the 

 pleasure of seeing. Perhaps you will favour me with a 

 description of his person and character, which, as I 

 understand you have long enjoyed his friendship and 

 confidence, you must be well qualified to do ; but, in the 

 mean time, if you please, we will drink ' Success to fox- 

 hunting,' in a bumper. Although no fox-hunter myself, 

 I heartily wish it success. It is a manly, fine exercise, 

 affording health to the body, and much matter for a 

 contemplative mind. In few situations of life, indeed, 

 are the faculties of man more prominently displayed. 

 Fortitude, good sense, and collectiveness of mind, have in 

 it a wide field of action, and a sensible sportsman would 

 be a respectable character in any grade of life." 



Mr. Somerly. " You have not over-rated the good pro- 

 perties of fox-hunting, and allow me to add to your 

 panegyric upon it. In the first place, where will you 

 find better society than by a cover-side in Leicestershire, 

 and numerous other counties ? In the next, it links all 

 classes together, from the peer to the peasant. Then, 

 again, it is the Englishman's peculiar privilege. It is not to 

 be found in any other part of the globe, but in England's 

 true land of liberty and may it flourish to the end of 

 time ! ' Success to fox-hunting,' I say, with all my heart, 

 and will now comply with your request : 



" Mr. Meynell is of the middle height, of a compact 

 and well-proportioned form ; with a highly expressive 

 countenance, and a very intellectual eye. His manners 

 and general deportment are those of a man of the highest 

 fashion, and he combines zeal with talent, which would 

 render him distinguished in any pursuit that might be 

 congenial to his inclination and' taste. Fortunately for 



