20 THE HUNTING-FIELD. 



was going on^ and probably could give by far a 

 better account of the chase than any other person 

 in the field. As a nobleman or man of fortune, 

 he rides to please himself, leaving younger, 

 vainer, or less sensible men to ride to please 

 others. Something of the same sort will be seen 

 in his dress, and even in the appointments of his 

 own or his men^s horses. The Tyro fears to have 

 anything about himself or his people that is not 

 sanctioned by general custom and use. The man 

 of high standing and known judgment orders all 

 about him in such manner or form as his good 

 sense tells him is most convenient or effective. 

 His dress is sure to be that of a sportsman and 

 a gentleman ; but he ties himself to no particular 

 or general class of either as objects of imitation. 

 If he thinks a saddle, for instance, of a make 

 somewhat deviating from those in general use, to 

 be more safe or easy for himself, his men, or 

 horses, he uses such ; and though he may not 

 quote the doggrel rhyme, 



" Sir, I'm a gentleman, do ye think it fit, 

 I should to vulgar rule submit ? " 



he feels he is a man of consequence, and one of 

 sense, and as such does that which is sensible, 

 without studying the opinion of the mere mul- 

 titude. 



Another sort of master of hounds is the dashing 



