274 Tally ho, 



still remaining, amongst whicli I noticed Painter and 

 Pillager,, and a light coloured hound, Traveller, also 

 first-class specimens of high-bred harriers. Next 

 I was introduced to the ladies, and Levity, who took 

 the prize at the Crystal Palace, was pointed out to 

 me j then Festive, a real beauty, also a prize taker ; 

 Thoughtful, an exceedingly good specimen, as, indeed, 

 were a trio of ladies — Harmless, Affable, and Actress, 

 whilst Crafty, an exceedingly fine bitch, with Sportive 

 and Eansom, attracted my special attention and 

 admiration, calling to mind the words of one whom 

 Nimrod styled the Father of the modern chase, who 

 said that perfection in the shape of hounds consisted 

 in their having short backs, open bosoms, straight 

 legs, and compact feet. It must be remembered that 

 these hounds have been for a great number of years in 

 the hands of the same family, and that the greatest 

 care and attention has been paid to insure their 

 quality being maintained up to the standard of ex- 

 cellence that has existed for so long a period in the 

 kennels of the Brookside. After this I returned, 

 delighted with what I had seen, and whilst cantering 

 along over the open country I came to the conclusion 

 that it would be but a slight punishment if I were 

 compelled to give up the frivolous gaieties of the 

 metropolis, and retire to this ^^ city by the sea,^' 

 where, lulled by the murmur of the sad sea waves, 

 I might live a life compatible with my advanced age ; 

 but there would be one condition attached to my 

 acceptance of this proposition, namely, that I should 

 have two or three compact horses, not less than 

 fifteen hands two inches, with good action and fine 

 mouths, standing in the stable, in order that I might 



