HUNTING. 121 



different well-known fences is simply dis- 

 graceful; and persons — I cannot call them 

 gentlemen — ride each other down like dogs. 

 At such places you will be fortunate if you 

 can enlist a friend to ride behind you, and 

 thus prevent your being jumped upon in the 

 event of a fall. 



I must not omit to remind you that in 

 crossing a ford your horse will be very apt to 

 lose his footing. You will know when he 

 does so by his making a kind of plunge, and 

 an endeavour to swim, which he only does 

 when he feels himself out of his depth. If at 

 such a time you interfere with his mouth, he 

 will inevitably roll over. Your only chance is 

 to throw him the reins, and let him scramble 

 or swim as he finds easiest. If the latter, lift 

 your left leg (with foot still in the stirrup) 

 completely over the third crutch, that he may 

 not strike your heel with his near hind foot, 

 or become in any way entangled with the 

 stirrup or in your skirt. At the same time 

 grasp the up-pommel firmly with your hand, 

 that you may not be unseated when he makes 

 his second struggle, which he will do as soon 



