1880—81.] SNOW SKIRMISHING. 361 



times out of a hundred, are deceit and destruction — a sentiment 

 not culled verbatim, but for all that a mere repetition of what 

 has been written strongly by every pen of any worth in hunting 

 literature, and what is more difficult than aught else to realise 

 and receive in its fullest sense. 



"Always a run on Ash-Wednesday" has grown into a proverb 

 at Melton. There never was less chance of its being verified 

 than this year — with ten days' snow on the ground, a sharp 

 frost overnight, and a fresh fall in the early morn. But it 

 came off, nevertheless, and the Belvoir served up their annual 

 dish in as good form as ever. They brought out their beautiful 

 " big pack " to show the foreigners ; for, in spite of weather 

 and appearances, there were men from every county, almost 

 from every country — dukes, counts, lords of every degree, and 

 "jolly huntsmen " of every sort and size. The meet Avas a 

 very nominal 12.30 ; and due allowance, besides, was given for 

 any length of journey, or even of discourse for those who had 

 minded to avail themselves. Atherstone, Meynell, South 

 Notts, Pytchley, Quorn, Cottesmore, Sir Bache Cunard's, and 

 Belvoir of course, were all represented in more or less strength* 

 Mr. Rolleston was there with the laurels of his great Lowdham 

 run fresh upon him ; Goodall had come over from the scene of 

 his many recent successes, for a day with his former chief ; and, 

 from far and near, train and carriage and hack had assisted 

 to pour numbers into the white desert of Croxton Park. Six 

 inches of snow ! "What a prospect ! Still everyone undauntedly 

 held on. Carriages ploughed through the deep dragging mass. 

 Horsemen trotted forward, all gaily attired and wearing the 

 smile of certainty and content. In ordinary years we should 

 have been tramping about home in shooting-boots and gaiters, 

 and using language expressive. Now amid snow and frost we 

 are hunting and smiling, and even enjoying ourselves. Baffin's 

 Bay for the summer, and a pack to hunt the Polar fox, will be 

 our next move — and if hounds can draw sledges there, they 

 should be able to hunt without harm to themselves. Rough 

 riding, though, I fancy — unless a reindeer be a fan- mount. 



