*208 



THE BEST SEASON ON KECOllD. 



an oft-iDainted picture — a big sun for the nonce being 

 added to, and a liaze of yellow light pervading, the 

 usually quiet but rugged landscape. The Punchbowl 

 to Ranksboro' is an old-fashioned Cottesmore line — grass 

 and gates being the prevailing features. But here and 

 there with some arid acres of plough came also assistance 

 prompt and capable. We were kept galloping ; and, 



"puzzling his troublesome pursuers." 



if once behind, galloping hard— till we reached Cold 

 Overton Hall, which foxes would seem to regard as a 

 hare does a well-recognized smeuse. -E.r/., the first 

 little episode oi' the Cottesmore season was the run of a 

 fox through the conservator}^, across the drawing-room, 

 out over a tableful of Old Dresden, and through a pane 

 of 2^1ate-glass — not at all because he was beat and 

 distressed, but in order that he might put his know- 

 ledge of locality to the best advantage in puzzling his 



