Jorrocks and The Old Surrey 43 



this chosen region of fox-hunting is the quiet, easy 

 manner in which the sportsmen take the thing. On they 

 go — now trotting gently over the flints — now softly 

 ambling along the grassy ridge of some stupendous hill — 

 now quietly following each other in long-drawn files, like 

 geese, through some close and deep ravine or interminable 

 wood, which re-echoes to their never-ceasing holloas — 

 every man shouting in proportion to the amount of his 

 subscription. There is no pushing, jostling, rushing, 

 cramming, or riding over one another, no ridiculous fool- 

 hardy feats, but each man cranes and rides, and rides and 

 cranes in a style that would gladden the eyes of a director 

 of an insurance office." 



We are inclined to think, however, that our old friend 

 Jorrocks is a little too severe and caustic in his remarks as 

 quoted. There is no reason to doubt — indeed, evidence 

 remains to prove — that there were many bold Surrey 

 riders in his day, as there have been since, and always will 

 be while hounds run and Englishmen retain their sporting 

 instinct. Besides, we must remember that the nature of 

 the Surrey country demands plenty of nerve from those 

 who attempt to go straight. One meets occasionally 

 with some ghastly places to negotiate. They may not 

 come in our way very often, but when they do come — 

 well, they require a clever hunter and his rider's heart in 

 the right place, and no " scotching" at the last moment. 

 It is never wise to trifle with an undoubted " rasper." 



Jorrocks also touches on the fact that many City men 

 were accustomed to enjoy their sport thoroughly with the 



