334 Cross Country with Horse and Hound 



the point he first planned to make before he broke covert. 

 In this case the check may be short, and we had better 

 remain mounted until we see how the hounds act. The 

 huntsman is hardly giving them time to make their own 

 cast; he is certainly in possession of some knowledge as 

 to Renard's game. Directly back he lifts them, and away 

 they go again over some good-scenting grass-fields. 



The chorus swells; less various, less sweet 

 The thrilling notes when in those very groves 

 The feather'd choristers salute the spring, 

 And every bush in concert joins, or when 

 The master hand in modulated awe 

 Bids the loud organ breathe, and all the pow'rs 

 Of music in one instrument combine, 

 An universal minstrelsy. 



So steady your horse again, and keep as much in reserve 

 as you possibly can. Only keep the hounds in sight. They 

 are the only pilot unless you are a stranger in the coun- 

 try worth looking after. What, a brook ? Now, then, 

 Novice, not too fast ! Steady to within the last few strides, 

 and hold him well in hand for a swerve or refusal. Good 

 enough ! You see, the energy you have been saving in 

 your horse stood him in well, and he cleared it with ease. 



Check again. Splash ! Splash ! Co-souze ! go half a 

 dozen riders into the brook. Every man of them raced at 

 it from twenty or thirty rods back. 



There were eight of us at it, and seven got in. 



What a sight ! One fellow is standing on the landing-side, 

 trying to pull his horse up by the bridle-reins. Another 



