i6o SKETCHES IN THE HUNTING FIELD. 



dence that the apprentices in the new entry will sustain 

 the reputation of their seniors. 



That yelp came from poor Trinket, who cannot be 

 persuaded of the folly of lingering behind, and, to judge 

 from her solemn face, seriously pondering over private 

 family affairs when she ought to be attending to her 

 public duties. Trinket is an excellent hound when 

 once she sets herself to her task, but her meditative dis- 

 position is apt to get her into trouble. Another crack 

 of the whip reminds a young hound that the present is 

 not a favourable moment for either quarrelling or lark- 

 ing with his companions, and one or two other little 

 matters having been adjusted the move takes place. 



A wave of the huntsman's arm sends the obedient 

 pack into the covert which adjoins the park; the more 

 excitable horses curvet and shake their heads, eager to 

 be off, while the more sedate and sensible reserve their 

 energies, listening with pricked ears for the music they 

 know and love so well ; while the hounds spread them- 

 selves and draw eagerly for their prey. Now and then 

 comes a whimper, but it dies away ; and as we skirt the 

 covert-side nothing more is heard save now and again 

 the voice of the huntsman or of a whip encouraging or 

 rating his hounds. 



On we go, the little grey horse playing with his bit, 

 but always acknowledging a restraining touch when 

 excitement half induces him to forget himself. The 

 park gates are reached and the leaders turn into a ride 

 beyond, along which we follow. Now and then a hound 



