142 NATURE AND WOODCRAFT. 



substitute. The writer well remembers a 

 memorable hunt many years ago on a glorious 

 day — the roads ice-bound, and the mountains 

 snow-covered. After partaking of ale at the 

 inn — one of the numerous " highest inhabited 

 houses in England" — the whole assembled 

 company set out, and at once ascended into 

 a region of snow. There was a sprinkling 

 of women and girls. From the elevated 

 region which was quickly attained a glorious 

 prospect soon presented itself. Below in the 

 vale was the village of Grasmere, with all its 

 associations. Upon the opposite steeps Silver 

 How and Helme Crag, where lay the " lion 

 and the lamb." Easdale and its silent tarn 

 dipped between the two heights, and Dunmail 

 Eaise between Steel Fell and Seat Sandal. 

 The sun shone upon the snow-clad hills, throw- 

 ing up an exquisite rosy flush ; and this being 

 reflected from the valley below, all nature 

 seemed bathed in golden light. 



Here is the ridge of Helvellyn, and we are 

 above the snow-line. The hounds have pre- 

 viously thrown off in a plantation at Fairfield's 

 base, and the huntsman has to use all his skill 

 to prevent the pack from dividing, and going off 



