376 STAGHUNTING WITH THE 



chair, supported on either hand by members of 

 the hunt committee, and masters of other 

 packs, and an occasional hunting visitor. The 

 Church, the Law, Physic, and the Press are 

 generally represented, and after grace the 

 company fall to with right good will, with 

 which is mingled the satisfaction of knowing 

 that the fast diminishing haunch, that made the 

 board groan when it was first set on, will fatten 

 no more at the expense of the eaters' turnips, 

 will browse no more upon the ripening corn, no 

 more will tear the juicy mangolds from the 

 ground to throw them bitten and destroyed all 

 over the disordered field at home. Many other 

 seasonable dainties tempt the appetite of those 

 who cannot face roast venison, and there are 

 such even in the wild West Country, and when 

 at length the last course has been cleared away, 

 a mighty bowl of steaming punch, curiouslv 

 concocted and very potent withal, is placed 

 before the master, with a long handled silver 

 ladle and many punch glasses. When these 

 have been dulv filled and handed round, and 

 the customary toasts have been disposed of, 

 the master proceeds to the toast of the 

 evening, and gives " Prosperitv to Staghunt- 

 ing," seizing the opportunity to refer to 

 the sport enjoved throughout the season, and 

 to touch on any striking incidents which may 

 have occurred since last the toast was given. 



