T32 FOX-HUNTING FROM SHIRE TO SHIRE 



acting as honorary whipper-in, looks after the 

 poultry claims, demanding remains to be brought 

 to his residence, so that he may investigate and hold 

 inquests on the same. The burly form of Mr W. 

 H. Vincent, in hunting-cap, was in evidence, mounted 

 on Placid Joe, a rare type of weight-carrying blood 

 hunter, a great performer though he has been 

 " tubed." Our own mount was Billy, a strong, 

 short-tailed brown horse, who was clever enough 

 to find the best going in a very water-logged district. 

 Trotting away from kennels, we had a four mile 

 ride in the rain at hound-pace, always a good moment 

 to study the character and carriage of foxhounds 

 individually, as they trot along with a buoyancy 

 which bespeaks hope and expectation. Our way 

 lay by Hatfield House, and passing the gates we 

 raised our hats reverently to the bronze statue of 

 the great statesman, the late Marquis of Salisbury, 

 a fine piece of work erected in 1906 at the entrance 

 to the Park. The meet was in a paddock in a 

 neighbouring village, and our host had a table full 

 of good things in the way of refreshment laid out 

 for all comers, the small field numbering several 

 young people. When we moved away, hounds 

 started to draw a long chain of coverts, whilst 

 we galloped up a boggy wood-ride with Budd ; who 

 had instructions to place us in a good position to 

 get a view. The hunt secretary after marshalling 

 the field, had a watchful eye for late comers and 

 second horsemen, who are apt to head a fox at 

 critical moments. Above the patter of the rain 

 was heard the voice of the field-master chiding, 

 evidence that somebody was getting it hot ! A few 

 minutes later the distant music of hounds came 

 floating on the breeze, the keeper's report as to 

 the whereabouts of a fox having been correct. 



