146 THE HUNTING-FIELD. 



position, and as lie is not mucli seen after the 

 first burst, no one quarrels with him. 



" That gentleman preparing to mount that fine 

 chesnut is a very wealthy distiller and banker 



at , who, though he made small notes for 



the use of his townsmen and others, does not 

 make small ones of his own importance. He 

 once represented his town in parliament, and 

 always represents a rather pompous, purse-proud 

 personage : he gives long prices for his horses ; 

 but they are always fat, each comes out but seldom, 

 as it takes them a fortnight to recover a moderate 

 run ; and if any one wished him to risk his neck, 

 they have only to show they are watching him, 

 his wish to show himself off will then make him 

 outdo himself. 



" That tall gentlemanly man on the brown in 

 such fine condition is a clergyman, with a good 

 living, and moderate independent property, a 

 perfect sportsman, fine quiet rider, and a perfect 

 gentleman ; he keeps two hunters, and hunts twice 

 a week. His horses are first-rate, he steals away 

 quietly with the hounds, and no matter what the 

 country, there he stays; he pays his curate 

 liberally though only availing himself of his 

 services one month in the j^ear; in fact, in the 

 church, drawing-room, or field, he is liked by 

 every one. If you want a pilot, keep your eye 

 on him ; but mind, unassuming as he looks, and 



