^Nimrod ' 



from what it is in most other countries in England, and 

 requires a Uttle apprenticeship. There is much choice 

 of ground ; and if this choice be not judiciously made, 

 and coupled with a cautious observance of pace, a 

 horse is beaten in a very short time. If you doubt my 

 creed, look to the events of this memorable day.' Snob 

 thanks him for his hints, and notes them in his book of 

 memory. 



The fame of Snob and his little bay horse reaches Melton 

 before he walks in himself. ' That provincial fellow did not 

 go amiss to-day,' says one. * Who was that rural-looking man 

 on a neatish bay horse — all but his tail — who was so well with 

 us at the first check ? ' asks another, who himself could not 

 get to the end, although he went ' a good one,' three parts 

 of the way. There is no one present to answer these ques- 

 tions ; but the next day, and the next. Snob is in the field 

 again, and again in a good place. Further inquiries are 

 made, and satisfactory information obtained. On the fourth 

 day, a nod from one, a ' how do you do ? ' from another, 

 ' a fine morning ' from a third — are tokens good-humouredly 

 bestowed upon him by some of the leading men ; and on 

 the fifth day, after a capital half-hour, in which he has again 

 distinguished himself, a noble bon-vivant ^ thus addresses 

 him — ' Perhaps, sir, you would like to dine with me to-day ; 

 I shall be happy to see you at seven.' 



* Covers,' he writes next day to some friend in his remote 

 western province, ' were laid for eight, the favourite number 

 1 The writer here alluded to Lord Alvanley. 



179 



