1878—79.] WATERLOO GORSE AND THRUSSINGTON GORSE. 273 



before. The Messrs. Gosling, the Master, Mr. Marshall, 

 Summers and Shepherd (huntsman and whip) were all in 

 close pursuit of the Colonel's grey. Thus merrily up to 

 Hallaton Village, when time was called, as above. Two foxes 

 were in front — one to Stockerston, and the other (I had nearly 

 written a terrible Irishism) back towards Keythorpe ; so 

 hounds were taken home. I can sum up only to the effect 

 that this was the brightest day I have seen for eight solid 

 weeks. Once or twice a week like this will save us manj^ a 

 groan and grumble. Believe me, it is better riding under 

 such unmistakable conditions than when you attempt to hurry 

 a thaw too quickly into hunting weather. And a day like this 

 rouses the spirit, quickens the blood, and stirs the system, 

 when all three have been growing gradually and lamentably 

 stagnate. Weather (and a due allowance of snow) permitting, 

 the same pack may be seen at AUexton on Monday next — 

 11 a.m. 



WATERLOO GORSE AND THRUSSINGTON GORSE. 



Thursday, February 13th. 



Glorious weather and glorious sport again. We are up 

 in our stirrups now — making the most of our fortune, and bent 

 on making the most of it to the end. Since in abject despair 

 I posted my last few lugubrious lines, there has been merri- 

 ment for the most despondent, food for the hungriest, medicine 

 for the most dyspeptic : and we are thriving heartily. No 

 need nor time to dwell or ponder now. Events have followed 

 each other in one continued stream, and we are swimming on 

 the pleasant waters still. For the items see below. 



It was a huge, and, apparently, a happy throng that mustered 

 in the Market Harboro' Ball rooni on Thursday niglit (Feb. 

 6th) ; and fully half that throng — undoubtedly hearty and happy 

 — ^joined the Pytchley at Arthingworth the next day. They 

 had been given till noon to recover themselves ; and in highest 



