BY INVITATION 273 



hard-riding members of two hunts meet in any 

 numbers, which contribute to disturb the equa- 

 nimity of those in office. The visiting Master 

 does not like to get angry with those of whose 

 hospitality he is partaking, and I am afraid they 

 frequently take advantage of their position by 

 being a little over -keen. Then generally these 

 invitation days take place towards the end of the 

 season, when scent is indifferent. I remember on 

 one occasion, as we were going to have a day in a 

 neighbouring country " by invitation," our Master 

 interviewed us jointly and severally, and lectured 

 us on the heinousness of over -riding hounds. 

 " When you men see me hold up my hand," said 

 he, " pull up, then the other fellows will. I don't 

 want to do any ' rating ' to-day." We found a 

 fox, scent was only moderate, and as a matter of 

 course hounds were pressed. The Master's hand 

 was held up, and we stopped. But did the other 

 fellows ? Not a bit of it. So we went on too ; 

 but fortunately scent improved ; fences were a 

 bit bigger than usual, and all ended happily. 



But notwithstanding the occasional drawbacks 

 to which I have alluded, the " invitation meet " is 

 a pleasant reunion of sportsmen, and if there 

 should chance to be anything of a scent and good 

 sport, affords happy memories for many a year. 



