FOX-HUNTIXG. 205 



when the fox is first found in thick covert, 

 through which he tears regardless of all 

 obstructions^ till you see him with a breast- 

 high scent, going at best pace with his head 

 up and his stern down, racing across the open ; 

 then if he has in his energy overshot the scent, 

 the magnificent way in which he flings and 

 dashes to recover it ; or again, the patience 

 and perseverance with which he feels for . 

 and w^orks out a cold and stale scent, — all 

 are deserving and worthy of our highest 

 praise and deepest admiration. No w^onder, 

 then, the fox-hound is so highly prized ; no 

 w^onder men are enthusiastic about fox-hunt- 

 ing; no w^onder that men ride as they do to 

 see him w^ork. The cost is as nothing, the 

 trouble is as nothing, falls are as nothing, 

 difficulties are as nothing, when measured with 

 their joys and pleasures. May fox-hunting 

 ;then flourish in all its glories till time shall 

 be no more. 



I must now reluctantly take oflr* my cap and 

 bid my readers farewell, hoping that we may 

 meet again, if fortune should so favour me. 

 In doing so, I wdsh them, with all my heart, 

 health, strength, and nerve to enjoy the glorious 



