MEMORIES OF THE COUNTRY PEOPLE 103 



for the meet and had ridden along the road to 

 look for us. This sportsman tried the power of 

 gentle speech as he jumped the gap to try to 

 follow the hacks of the hunt. 



" An' if it is that ye are unable to folly the hunt, 

 ye might have the dacency to remain upon the 

 road," roared the irate landowner, thunderously. 



At this point the whole hunt came back, of 

 course across that field and we were told the story. 



We were at Fedamore Gorse last week and did 

 not find. A friend of the old covert keeper's volun- 

 teered explanation. He got no notice to close the 

 doors in time, he said irritably ; '* they are but 

 shut this hour back." 



The ' ' back thrail ' ' is heel. They always call it by 

 that illuminating name. Great critics always on 

 hunting should carry their dogs on. That is the 

 back thrail. 



" Did you see him, boys ? " 



" We did so. Twenty minutes ago. What time 

 is it to be bringin' the dogs now an' he earth-ed 

 above in Michael Power's Gullet." 



Horse dealers' expressions are very curious. 

 Good morning from one to another means that 

 a horse is lame in front. Good night that he is 

 going tender behind. My dear old friend seeing 

 a weary remnant of horseflesh dozing in an arch- 

 way at Rathkeale enquired the price. 



" Three pounds." 



** I'll give ye tin shillin's." 



