The Southdown. 11 



The Down meets being, with few exceptions, those 

 nearest to Brighton, are naturally the most fully 

 attended — even if sport is not the only influence which 

 brings so many scarlet coats and shapely riding-habits 

 to a meet of the foxhounds. It is pleasant to inhale 

 the crisp breeze on the hilltop, even if you are not 

 minded to dip into each valley and struggle over each 

 crest in the mad rush after the spotted dogs. For 

 many eyes too there is attraction in a red coat ; but 

 in justice to itself it should be brought home before 

 evening has thrown a veil over window and prome- 

 nade. And who shall deny that a habit is the most 

 becoming of all garments ? But, whether to sport- 

 man or lounger there should be something stirring 

 and exhilarating in a quick sharp gallop in merry 

 company over the smooth mossy turf, or light tilled 

 soil almost as firm as turf, which form the surface of 

 the downs. And the day seldom passes when the 

 Southdown meet " on the Hill ^^ that they cannot 

 offer such a gallop. Should, however, a fox take it 

 into his head, as he often mil, to strike suddenly 

 downwards off the high ground into the vale beneath, 

 it becomes at once a question of most serious con- 

 sideration as to whether you should follow hounds or 

 not. If he is really bound for the Weald, the sooner 

 you slide and scramble down the steep descent the 

 better. But should he have merely taken a turn 

 down in order to twist back again, you only put your- 

 self completely behind by getting under the hill — 

 which you will find impossible to re-climb again after 

 hounds, till they are far over the brow and the order 

 of the chase, as far as pursuers go, has been com- 



