I 886. 197 



we ran one with a very bad scent into Stock, 

 losing him near Warrbridge Gate. Back to 

 draw^ the Holts and Tripps once more ; the 

 field growing small by degrees and beautifully 

 less, till at Purse Caundle Gorse it had 

 dwindled to three, viz.. Miss Serrell, Mr. D. 

 Collins, and the writer — the same number of 

 foxes crossing Toonier Hill. Followed one of 

 them to Spurles, Bowden, nearly to Martin's 

 Wood, and back for Bowden ; where departing 

 daylight and tired hounds compelled the Master 

 to bow to circumstances and go home. 



February 15th. — 



The hounds met at Five Bridges, and a 

 curious thing happened. They were being 

 taken into the little field by the side of the 

 bridge, where they usually wait, when a fox 

 crossed in front of them and swam the river 

 Cale under their eyes. The Master had only 

 just driven up, and the Whips had to do 

 all they knew to restrain the eager pack till 

 he was on his horse and ready to gallop awa}' 

 with them in pursuit, and very sharply they 



