6o Tallyho. 



race is not always to the fleetest, there being such 

 things as nobbling and other trifles, which oft-times 

 cause the " pot to boil over/' and lead to much vexa- 

 tion of spirit and damage to the pocket. Now, in 

 hunting there are no such drawbacks ; it is the Turf 

 by day, and the green cloth by night, over which the 

 going is so remarkably easy, that bring the best men 

 to sorrow. Be advised, then, and stick to the two 

 more pleasurable, if less exciting pastimes. Put 

 money — plenty — in your purse, and, having selected 

 Melton for j^our place of abode, go to such men for 

 your nags as Percival of Wansford, Toynbee of Acton, 

 or Cox of Stamford-street — where, by the way, I saw 

 a clinker the other morning ; make known your wants, 

 take your choice, pay your money like a man, and, Pll 

 warrant you, you shall go well across the big fields of 

 Leicestershire if you have nerve and pluck, without 

 which you will be nowhere. In respect to the '^ Poad,'' 

 you will find it extremely pleasant to drive a well- 

 appointed drag to cover, and will never want com- 

 panions by the way ; and, should you by any chance 

 become a married man, keep the reins in your own 

 hands, lest the grey mare on the near side should get 

 the better of you. I like to drive myself. 



Having then established yourself either in a house 

 of your own, or at either of the comfortable hotels, 

 make friends with Mr. Childs, who will put you up to 

 a thing or two, telling you the best meets, the nearest 

 routes, and sundry useful pieces of information, which 

 he is always ready and pleased to do, and you will 

 have a good start. If you like society you will have 

 an opportunity of making many friends, and, if you 

 play your cards pleasantly, will never find the time 



