WITH A FARMER'S PACK 183 



weight, and one horse had to do for him, though 

 he occasionally had a mount given. He really 

 did second whipper-in's work, the duties of the 

 first whipper-in being undertaken in the field by a 

 man who took a prominent part in the manage- 

 ment of the affairs of the hunt, and who was 

 himself no incapable huntsman when his services 

 were required. Then there were always a lot of 

 young farmers ready and willing to do anything 

 they were asked, and an excellent average of sport 

 was shown. It was a capital school for whippers- 

 in, for the Master had plenty of time on his hands, 

 and was always keen to impart instruction if his 

 lad was of an inquiring mind. The result was 

 that two of his whippers-in became huntsmen who 

 made for themselves a name, whilst a third was a 

 whipper-in of great merit, and one who only missed 

 a good huntsman's place by an accident. 



It stands to reason that the social element 

 entered largely into such a hunt in the off season. 

 There was, of course, the hunt dinner, a function 

 which has fallen into desuetude, but which might 

 be revived with advantage. Then at show and 

 race meeting the well-to-do farmers in the neigh- 

 bourhood entertained their hunting friends right 

 royally, and as the hunting season approached 

 these social gatherings became sort of informal 

 committee meetings, at which matters connected 

 with the welfare of the hunt were freely discussed. 

 Then once a year the Master gave a ball to the 

 young folk of his hunt, it being a sine qud non 

 that no married folk, save one or two privileged 

 people, were to be guests. Merry little dances 

 they were, and heartily were they appreciated. 

 Yes, " the world went very well then," and though 



