18r.3-74.] CHRISTMASTIDE, 1873. 129 



shown them some of the existing lions of the neiglibourhood, 

 they treated them to an insight of the true character of the 

 Qiiorn conntr}' by leading them steadily and carefully over the 

 nice pastures alongside the Gaddesby brook. The hunt was 

 pronounced over at Queniborough Spinne}', and a halt called 

 for luncheon purposes. At this period tlie}^ in the carriages 

 had perhaps the best of it — though, truth to tell, no one who 

 brings out a second horseman need nowadays lack] a midday 

 meal of luxury that our Spartan sires would have pronounced 

 unquestionabl}^ culpable, for the' so-called sandwich cases to 

 be seen strapped on the backs of many liveried light weights 

 want verj' little growth to give them a second use as portman- 

 teaus. " Chicken and ham ? No. A mutton pie, then, or 

 just a slice of cold plum pudding ? " Such is the verj'- pleasant 

 style of hospitality in vogue at the covert-side in this latter 

 half of the nineteenth century ; and long may it last — at any 

 rate, so long as it is given unto us to pursue. The " liquor 

 question," however, still remains a vexed one — not as regards 

 a means of bringing it into the field at the right moment or in 

 requisite quantity, but as to the most desirable and least 

 objectionable form. The advocates of sherry are crushed by 

 a reference to its acknowledged acidit}'. Brandy-and-water is 

 pronounced insipid. Port is harmless, but detestable when 

 one is really thirsty, and ever a hete noire et terrible to the 

 gentlemen whose office is to keep leathers spotless. Brandy- 

 and-soda has been tried of late and met with varied approval ; 

 the chief objection to it being that if your second horseman 

 Avere to get a fall, the effect of the concussion might be an 

 explosion, costing you new livery and a fresh servant. Cham- 

 pagne has been tested ; but as, after undergoing an agitating 

 process for some hours in close jiroximit}- to an animal mass 

 generating much heat, it is found to assume a character widely 

 differing from Byron's idolised liquid, this too has been dis- 

 carded. Whisky-and-water is much patronised ; but, after all, 

 every man, as is quite proper, holds to his own especial fancy, 

 and maintains it accordingly — just as he does his universal 



