70 TALES AND TRAITS OF SPORTING LIFE. 



have made in the development and practice of veterinary 

 science. The very next morning he gave the g're}^ a stilfish 

 gallop of nearly fonr miles, and within a day or two one 

 yet more severe — a system further persevered with, and 

 only relieved occasionally by a scurry over the country. 

 There appeared, though, no reason to quarrel with the 

 course of treatment adopted, for the horse looked all the 

 better for it ; and as the back-sinew got no worse than it 

 had been, there was little to complain of on that score. 



In fact, I am afraid, my hack from the first was treated 

 more as a priva-te pupil than a hospital patient, and 

 we were in high spirits at the nomination — a little 

 toned-down, however, by a written entry, all the 

 way from London — "' hr. h. The Weaver" — who 

 had won twice already that season, and that we cer- 

 tainly did not suspect would have honoured us with his 

 presence on the occasion. A couple of the Doctor's select 

 circle, I should say, had contrived to reach the Black 

 Lion that evening — myself and a senior pupil, who had 

 proved on one or two opportunities occurring, that he was, 

 as they say, " a few pounds better" on a horse than I 

 could qualify to. It was by his hand, indeed, that the 

 back-sinew recipe had been generally applied ; and, as the 

 Vet. himself confessed it was as good as a sermon to see 

 him screw through a queer place. The Weaver threat set- 

 tled it, and my friend Arch}^ having made up his mind 

 on the matter long before, consented to take my place and 

 ride the chase. 



It is the fashion to say you cannot half enjoy any kind 

 of amusement without you take a very active part in what 

 is going on. I only know that I never relished a farce so 

 little as when I attempted " Robin Rough-head," or felt 

 so thoroughly miserable and disgusted with myself as when, 



