THE MARCH TO THE RENDEZVOUS 107 



where horses have been. Still, we imagine that no 

 crop can be done actual good ; besides, there are 

 many of our good friends the farmers who do not 

 like to see great tracks across their fields any more 

 than we should across our flower gardens. There- 

 fore, if only for this reason, let those who hunt 

 avoid riding over crops whenever possible. 



We top a rise and see below us a small grass vale 

 with strong-looking stake-and-bound fences, and 

 what Mr. Jorrocks would call '* a nasty long Tommy 

 bruk" winding down the middle of it, the course 

 of which, where we cannot actually see its muddy- 

 looking waters, is indicated by a line of pollard 

 willow trees. 



The questions to be decided regarding it when in 

 pursuit of the Image are — ist, "Is it jumpable ? " 

 and 2nd, "Where should we have it?" Riding 

 Recollections, the Badminton Library books, and 

 many others, will tell us how to answer these ques- 

 tions, but after all the best teacher is experience. 

 One bit of advice can, however, be given safely, and 

 that is — unless you can ride at it as if there was no 

 doubt whatever about the answer to both questions, 

 do not do so at all. If you have doubt, your horse 

 will know it, and will have doubt too, and such an 

 enterprise undertaken with doubt in the heart is 

 nearly sure to end in disaster. 



Looking at the same brook with considerations 

 of the Real in the mind, one's thoughts are somewhat 

 as follows : — How wide and deep is it ? Are the 

 banks and bottom sound or muddy ? Is there much 



