DEVON AND SOMERSET. 21 



moorland road from Exford, or over the stony 

 track that crosses the heights of Dunkery itself 

 from the direction of Cutcombe. If the morning 

 be showery and the dust in consequence well laid, 

 while a fresh westerly breeze sweeps from the 

 Atlantic straight over these moorland heights, it 

 is surprising how fresh and bracing the air can 

 be at this altitude of a thousand feet or so above 

 sea level ; horses that have been jaded and listless 

 enough in the dusty and airless lanes below, 

 arch their backs and caper on the close-cropped 

 greensward of the hill-top ; men who have felt 

 themselves growing old and stiff amongst the 

 heat and turmoil of London in July, forget their 

 cares as they grip bridle-rein and saddle once 

 more and inhale, unconsciously, ozone unmixed 

 with coal smoke ; even the cheek of beauty loses 

 the pallor that is becoming enough elsewhere, 

 and warms to the touch of sun and wind. Many 

 a portent has arisen at the opening meets ; a 

 white Spanish mule has been ridden, not only 

 into the meeting field, but also after the hounds : 

 a German band, with brazen instruments and 

 uniforms complete, has applied in vain for ad- 

 mission, for, be it remembered, the historic field 

 and the farm and all its surroundings are private 

 property, and are only thrown open to the Hunt 

 and its many followers by the courtesy of the 

 owner. Sir C. T. D. Acland. Many a four-in-hand 

 has braved successfully the perils of the mountain 



