SPORT IN SEASON. 103 



At tlie Meet. Effect of unusually open season even on 

 Melton studs. Rigorous and opulent sportsman is not 

 wearing pink. " How's tliis, my dear fellow ? Aunt 

 gone at last? " " No (with a sad sigli). No. Fact is, 

 I rode this horse first on Thursday ; had but one other 

 for to-day ; my fellow said ' he might do a bit this 

 morning if I o/i/t/ tuore a black coat.'' So I've been 

 obliged to humour him." Take this to heart, ye who 

 set no store on the noble " red rag " of foxhunting, and 

 who wonder why the second horseman don't touch their 

 hats unless you happen to be riding in company with the 

 purple ! (Farmers, parsons, hunting correspondents, 

 and men-who-have-had-a-cropper-and-can't-go-in-their- 

 usual-form, of course being at liberty to adapt their 

 costume to their circumstances and condition). This 

 little moral tale reproduced by special permission — all 

 rights reserved. 



11*45. Under the old tree on the Burton Flat — near 

 the river side opposite Wyfordby — Reynard looking down 

 from the main fork, some twenty feet up — Master crack- 

 ing his whip below — hantsman and hounds openmouthed 

 and hungry a short fifty yards away. Reynard don't 

 seem to see it. " Take those dogs away — or I won't 

 play.'' " Shy a stick at him — and don't get in the way 

 of the hounds, sir ! " 



11 '50. Cannonade fairly opened. First discharge 

 produces obvious effect : and enemy cowers behind such 

 shelter as he can find. Second discharge, still better 

 directed, brings about a decided panic and an immediate 

 change of position. No casualties at present on our 



