30 THE HUNTING-FIELD. 



a real lover of hunting would be highly pleased 

 and gratified. 



The pack on the Essex side had for their 

 M. F. H. a worthy citizen, a good sportsman, and 

 doubtless a worthy man. They had certainly a 

 better country than had their more aristocratic 

 rivals, and I believe the whole establishment was 

 well and liberally managed ; JDut a glance at the 

 collective meet at one of their fixtures showed at 

 once a difference of men and manners : their fields 

 were usually far more numerous than those of the 

 Hatfield pack. Of course among them were some 

 private gentlemen ; but, unless it might be a mili- 

 tary man quartered within reach, it was only some 

 fortuitous chance that brought a man of fashion 

 there. 



I in no shape mean to infer that vulgarity 

 was a prominent feature in the appearance or 

 demeanour of the field, but there certainly was a 

 want of that tone, and ton, that so immediately 

 characterised the gentlemen of the other hunt. 

 The uniform of the Hatfield was light blue, which 

 produced a kind of exclusiveness not reached by 

 a mere scarlet coat. I have seen many a horse- 

 dealer in the latter, and as it is merely a hunting 

 dress, he may wear it without incurring the charge 

 of presumption ; and so may any other tradesman. 

 Perhaps it might evince better taste if they did 

 not ; but no man presumed to sport the Hatfield 



