THE LEAF OX THE THOEX. 15 



ampliltheatre of Old Hills — wliicli tliey luidonbtedly 

 regard as coming by every right under tlieir own pro- 

 tectorate, in tlie interests of civilisation and of sport. 

 The neutral cov'ert of Hoi well Month, it should be 

 mentioned, had not held a fox : but this will be of the 

 less consequence with two such well stocked fastnesses 

 on either side. Arthur, the first whip and Gillard's 

 loeum tencns^ had no other port of call set down In his 

 sailing orders. Besides which, b}' this time his saddle 

 was as thickly hung with fox-heads as that of a warrener's 

 pony with rabbits. However the little Scalford Spinney 

 was close by. There might be a fox there — and we have 

 many a cheery memory linked with this little spot. 

 There teas a fox — and a bold old gentleman too. But 

 we did not have a run ; for hounds were soon once more 

 among the cubs of Old Hills. 



Quite the leader, and quite one of the most appreciative 

 members, of the little party who watched the day's pro- 

 ceedings w^as the Rev. • — Bullen of Eastwell, now enter- 

 m^ on his el2:litieth season with hounds — his first serious 

 fall having taken place in his second season with his 

 father's pack In Norfolk, only seventy-nine years ago, 

 when he dislocated his knee. Wednesday last was his 

 second day in the week ; and, to all appearance (and 

 certainly If the good wishes of hundreds avail anything) 

 he will stand work for years to come. Within the last 

 very few winters he has ridden really hard across country. 

 Even now his face of keen enjoyment as hounds drive 

 their fox through covert Is a refreshing and admirable 

 sight. He was present at Salnmanca ; and he went 



