WITH THE NORTH COTSWOLD HOUNDS 121 



with Roman nose and ugly hocks. Once outside 

 his box, he could hardly be recognised as the same 

 horse we had been looking at a few minutes pre- 

 viously. Up to 13 stone 7 lbs., with four grand legs, 

 long sloping shoulders, and head beautifully put on, 

 he swung past at a three-quarter gallop, looking for 

 all the world like a point-to-point horse, or even 

 something better. The son of Inferno, by Robert the 



The Pick ol the Stud. 



Devil, Romeo was a great horse across country, and 

 went for 150 guineas, after carrying Jack Scott, the 

 first whipper-in. When we stopped at Master Bill's 

 box and noted Mr. McNeill's expression, we knew 

 we were looking at one of the master's favourites, 

 but still he did not seem inchned to recommend him ! 

 " Jump ? Oh yes, he can jump anything, has never 

 put me down, and has never refused ; but — " " But 

 what ? " we asked. " Well, he is sharp, very sharp," 

 he said. " I rode him in a point-to-point a fortnight 

 ago, and he fairly took charge of me for three miles. 

 But for all that he is a rare sort, barely 16 hands, 



