FOX-HUNTING. 31 



of a high straggling thorn fence causes our now 

 beaming rider to rise in his stirrups and shout, for 

 the information and encouragement of his companion 

 on the right, " Yonder he goes ! " The hounds, 

 though apparently too intent on their work to 

 notice this ejaculation, seem nevertheless to some- 

 what appreciate its import, for their leaders appear 

 to press forward with a panting, bloodshot im- 

 patience ominous of the end. Yet a few more fields, 

 and over the crown of the hill the dark brown 

 object is to be seen in slow rolling progression close 

 before them. And now " from scent to view," with 

 a final crash of hound-clamour followed by dead 

 silence, as fox and hounds together involve them- 

 selves in a confused entangled ball or heap in the 

 middle of a splendid pasture only two fields from 

 the wood which had been the fox's point from the 

 first ; and many a violated henroost and widowed 

 gander is avenged ! 



Our friend is off his horse in an instant, and leaving 

 him with outstretched legs and quivering tail (no fear 



