RIDINCx RECOLLECTIONS 



was so undeniable, that like many others he may- 

 have undervalued a quality of which he could not 

 comprehend the want. 



Most hunting men, I fancy, will agree with me, 

 that of all obstacles we meet with in crossing a 

 country, timber draws most largely on the reserve 

 fund of courage hoarded away in that part of a 

 hero's heart which is nearest his mouth. The 

 highest rails I ever saw attempted were ridden at 

 by Lord Gardner some years ago, while out with 

 Mr. Tailby's hounds near the Ram's Head, With 

 a fair holding scent, and the pack bustling their 

 fox along over the grass, there was no time for 

 measurement, but I remember perfectly well that 

 being in the same field, some fifty yards behind 

 him, and casting longing looks at the fence, totally 

 impracticable in every part, I felt satisfied the 

 corner he made for was simply an impossibility. 



" We had better turn round and go home ! " I 

 muttered in my despair. 



The leap consisted of four strong rails, higher 

 than a horse's withers, an approach downhill, a 

 take-off poached by cattle, and a landing into a 

 deep muddy lane. I can recall at this moment 

 the beautiful style in which my leader brought 

 his horse to its effort. Very strong in the saddle, 

 with the finest hands in the world, leaning far 

 back, and sitting well down, he seemed to rouse 

 as it were, and concentrate the energies of the 



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