80 



CHAP. III. 



Harry Hieover's Visit to a Stud. — The model Stud-groom. — 

 Remarks on different Hunter?. — Racing, Steeple-chasing, and 

 Hunting. — Practical Experiments. 



Some time after sending tlie foregoing liints to 

 my friend as regards the qualifications necessary 

 in a Imnter, the general amount of work that, 

 under ordinary circumstances, may be expected of 

 liim, and the discipline necessary to bring and 

 keep him in form to perform his work, I received 

 a letter inviting me to his country-house, and to 

 see the stud he had selected for his first campaign 

 in the hunting-field. After my arrival, and prior 

 to being introduced to his horses, he paid me the 

 compliment of expr^sing a hope that I should 

 like their appearance. This could but call forth 

 an assurance of my not doubting but such would 

 ])e the case. 



On our way to the stables, my friend tele- 

 graphed a remarkably spicy gentleman, who, on 

 approaching, touched his hat, in a manner half- 

 knowing and half-patronising : whether the con- 

 descension was to me, his master, or both, it was 

 impossible to conjecture. 



