298 THE CREAM OF LEICESTERSHIRE, [Skasox 



patliy was even carried so far as to point out to the toiling 

 owner the very gate on wliich his five-year-old had suspended 

 himself head downAvards, after leaving all properly constituted 

 authority in a previous ditch. Better than all, the identity was 

 noAv discovered of one of Leicester's fair sons, who " lost to 

 view" (bar a pair of well built butcher boots) was still "to 

 memory dear " — and will be for some time to those whose sides 

 still ache from the scene. How he ever got so far as to cover 

 a wide fence without his horse, or could measure his distance 

 so exactly as to touch neither earth nor blackthorn, but only 

 mudd}' Avater and brambles as he flew head doAvnwards, is be- 

 yond understanding. Perhaps the good steed,- who for long 

 stood leaning open-moutlied on the other side, might be able 

 to explain. By the Avay, Avhile on the subject of losses, "If 

 A. B. C. will communicate with Mr. Tomlin, Billesdon Cop- 

 low, he may hear of something to his advantage." And to 

 show that this advertisment is ho)id fide, it may be explained 

 that these initials are neatly Avorked on a very desirable silk 

 handkerchief, Avhich some ten days ago Avas left by him in the 

 right skirt of his coat, on a thornbusli in the covert of Iiotany 

 Bay. It is requested that A. B. C Avill either send for his 

 sku't or transmit the remaining one — considerations of dehcacy 

 and adornment alike rendering it desu'able that the tAvo should 

 be found on the same Avearer. As regards the handkerchief, 

 there is no pressing hurry, as it Avill pay for its keep. 



In the initial Aveek of the season '79 — 'SO Avas Aveather of 

 curious variety, and sport now and again. 



On Friday, November 7th, the Quorn had a nice day's — if a 

 hot day's — sport from Barkby Hall. It Avas not onl}" " as 

 balmy," but as bright as May ; and after hounds had run fast 

 for some tAventy-and-odd minutes, men Avho had summered 

 well and shunned the pigskin till November, looked as if the}^ 

 must explode — or get into the nearest pond. Horses, too, 

 made the Avorst of it. They found themselves kicked along as 

 unflinchingly as if it Avere Christmas time. Yet the hedges 

 and their guarding ditches had nothing of a Christmas look. 



