HOSPITALITY OF THE FRENCH FARMER. 219 



was seen, though more than once we crossed a wolf, 

 and Jules d'Anchald was very nearly getting a shot 

 at one. On reaching the little village, an invitation 

 came from the chief farmer for us to repair to his 

 house for some refreshment ; and as M. d'Anchald 

 told me it was the thing to do, although it was late, 

 and the delay would cause inconvenience to hound 

 and horse, of course I acquiesced in all that seemed 

 agreeable to my friends, and have it in my power to 

 assure the agriculturists of England that, though we 

 may have better hounds and a better system of 

 hunting, we can no more surpass the farmer of fair 

 France in hearty hospitality than we can outdo the 

 French gentleman in gallantry and grace. 



