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"Regular death-or-glory boys," responded the non-commissioned officer.

"He, he, he! lor, look! What a ta-il!" exclaimed a gawky youth, equipped in a smock-frock, a black military stock, with his ploughman's hat ornamented with red and blue ribands.

"Silence! Budden."

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Why I harn't zeen such a one since we had young Crib, squire's tarrier, in the old barn. Eh, eh, eh!" and at this the clod indulged in what is called (for reasons we cannot explain) a regular horse-laugh ; this spread through the ranks, and a general titter followed.

"Budden, you're incorrigible," continued the Sergeant; "at the next offence we'll try what the black hole can do: my system is, first I tries civility, and then I tries sewerity."

The dread of punishment restored the ranks to order, although the Major could still perceive a suppressed smile upon the rigid features of the Sergeant. The thought of another hoax flitted across Skittowe's mind, and, as he descended from his vehicle, under the pretence of going into a shop, he began to smell figuratively what afterwards his olfactory powers had an opportunity of doing in downright reality: looking under the dennet, he found attached to it the identical long-tailed rat he had killed the previous afternoon, and which now accounted for the jeers and remarks he had met with. Begging no notice might be taken of Budden's indiscretion, and handing the Sergeant a small douceur for him and his merry men to drink the King's health with, the disconcerted Major jumped into his vehicle, drove into a bye street, and there ordered John Sims to remove the nasty varmint. Who placed it there was never known; although a strong suspicion attached itself to young Westminster boy, the hero of the former hoax. No sooner had Skittowe freed himself of that which had proved ratsbane to him, than he paraded that portion of the city which hitherto he had not driven down, stopping at various houses and shops to leave cards and make enquiries after articles he never dreamt of purchasing. It now approached the hour that the regiment would be turning out in the barrack-yard, and the gallant officer so timed it as to enter the gates just as the men were assembling in their respective squads, and at the very moment the guard was under arms to pay compliment to the Lieutenant-Colonel, who, as a married man, resided in the town. The officers were lounging before the door of the mess-room.

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Why, what has the Major got?" said one.

"He was to have brought away all he killed," responded Captain Coxwell; "but I fancied it was not a third of what I now see."

"There'll be no holding him," remarked Ned Jerningham, a young stripling who had only lately joined; "I heard he could not hit a barn door in a month."

"A better hand at a haystack," rejoined the brave Captain Riddle, who had heard in the town of the deeds of the unintentional rick burner,

The Major now descended from his vehicle, and ringing the messman's bell, requested that the Duke's gift might be reported to the president of that establishment. He then begged his own game might be hung up in the larder, and betook himself to thinking over the names of those friends by whom such a present would be most acceptably

received, and from whom he should in return meet with the most grateful acknowledgment. Whilst ruminating, the regiment fell in, and the Colonel having some military correspondence to attend to, requested the Major to take the command. This was accordingly done; but so full was the head of that latter personage with hares and pheasants, that he could scarcely bring his mind to pay proper attention to the duty of the day. The waggish Spanish servant, Lissardo, in one of the best of English comedies, "The Wonder," tells Violante " that words are the pictures of the mind, and that to prove his master thinks of nothing but her, on returning home from shooting with a brace of partridges, he told him to bid the cook roast these Violantes." And upon this occasion, had not the Adjutant been at the Major's side, we question much whether the gallant officer would not have blundered out, "Hare to the right," instead of "Threes right;" or exclaimed, "Down charge," "Mark a cock," in lieu of " Attend to the markers,' 66 Charge to the front." The dinner that day went off very merrily; Skittowe "shot his day's shooting over again;" the Duke's health was drunk in three times three, not only out of gratitude for his liberal gift, but for the kind and hospitable attention he universally paid to the military. The Major had given a dozen of champagne; in addition to which, young Jerningham, whom we have already alluded to as having just joined, and who commented so severely upon his superior's want of prowess, had paid his complimentary entrance fee of wine to the mess it was, therefore, rather a late, or more strictly speaking an early hour before the party dispersed. Were we to judge by the enormous consumption of soda water in the morning of the effects of the wine the previous evening, we should, as faithful chroniclers, be compelled to say with the Dominie"Prodigious!"

(To be continued.)

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NOTES OF THE CHASE.

BY CECIL.

The return of the hunting season-Usual preparations-The Vine Hunt-Their opening day-The weather-Mr. Wheble's first appearance as a master of foxhounds-Hospitality at Bullmershe Court-Advantages of breeding hounds -Feeding hounds-The Hampshire Hounds.

There is not unfrequently more pleasure in anticipating an event than the catastrophe fulfils. Peradventure the chase is less often clouded with disappointments than most other amusements. "Weather permitting," there are few impediments to a day's enjoyment in some way or other, for those at least who cultivate the happy temperament of catching this world's pleasures as they flit before them-one gratification failing, some other presents itself. First-rate sport cannot always be commanded-it ought not to be expected; yet there are many agreeable associations connected with fox-hunting, conducive to

the enjoyment of a country life. The advent of the hunting season brings with it a host of pleasing occupations. The daily progress of the hunter's condition improving as the day draws nigh, is a source of the greatest interest. "Whip, cap, boots, and spurs," with "saddles, bridles," and other paraphernalia, are duly inspected; when, perchance, an apology ensues to while away a day by a visit to "the village" for the avowed purpose of replenishing such of the sportsman's requisites as the last season's campaign may have rendered unfit for service. The first day of the season is always anticipated with pleasure. The meetings and greetings of old friends who have enjoyed many a good run together, the introductions to new acquaintances (for which the coterie at the covert-side presents a most favourable opportunity), are passages in social life which no other pursuit or amusement affords. It is a réunion which cannot be too sedulously cultivated. And then there is the inspection of the pack, their condition and appearance criticised, old hounds recognised, the young entry and their parentage inquired into, together with the progress they have made during their cub-hunting tutelage.

Touching the past, it has been by no means a favourable one; throughout the kingdom there was so much dry weather that few, if any packs have had their accustomed sport.

The Vine Hounds (under the assiduous management of Mr. St. John) met for the first day this season at Oakley Hall, the seat of Colonel Beach, on Tuesday, October the 29th. There was more than an average of the usual attendants on these hounds, most of the hunting men residing in the neighbourhood, several farmers, and an old member of the Hampshire Hunt-Mr. Terry, whose presence in the field during upwards of half a century has always afforded the greatest pleasure: long may he continue to participate in that sport of which he is so ardent an admirer.

The dog pack was selected for the occasion; and much credit is due to their huntsman, William Cox, for the brightness of their appearance. It is necessary to remark that Mr. St. John has only had the management of these hounds one season; and as most masters of hounds make some changes, time is necessary to bring their intentions to maturity. They are unquestionably much improved since last year; very conspicuously so in drawing their coverts, as well as for the perseverance, steadiness, and truth which they exhibit in chase.

Some small coverts at the back of Oakley Hall and Southwood were drawn without a touch; although several cubs had been found during the cub-hunting season. At length, on the verge of a small covert near at hand, Mr. St. John observed some hounds feathering on a doubtful scent: this they carried on to Southwood, where it improved; and shortly afterwards the fox was viewed. The hounds hunted him steadily and well; but he was reluctant to leave his sylvan refuge. Conjectures were various as to the age and sex of the fox on foot, and also whether they had changed: for one young fox to have stood before the hounds two hours or more appeared to be improbable; and if an old fox, that he did not face the open was equally unlikely. An abundance of leaves that had recently fallen rendered the scent very perplexing. Eventually he made his exit, but only to gain Dean's Heath, where the pack got on better terms; that

covert not being so much foiled. At the expiration of three hours and twenty-five minutes the doubt was solved, the hounds had their teeth in him, when it proved to be an old dog-fox; and great merit is due to the pack for the steadiness and perseverance which they displayed.

The first half of the month of November was most unusually dry, and consequently there was very little scent; nevertheless these hounds had quite an average share of sport, generally killing or running their fox to ground. The rain that fell during the latter part of the month rendered the country in a much more favourable state for hunting. On the three last days the frost was severe, so much so as to put a temporary check on the operations of the pack. The early part of the month of December has been very favourable. They had a good day on the 13th of November, when they met at the Grotto, and ran their fox to ground in view of the leading hounds at Hog Diggings; and a woodland run at Monks Sherborne on the 16th, when after three hours' perseverance they tasted their fox. At the same time that it is remarked it was not a day to afford any pleasure to a hard-riding man; yet the hounds did their duty in the most satisfactory manner. On the 21st they met at Ashe Warren, and found in Nutley Copse. After being headed most perseveringly by a host of foot people, the fox went away to Deans Wood, on through White Lane Copse to Warrenbottom; having nearly reached the top of the covert, he made a turn to the right, and again through Deans Wood, without dwelling, to Ashe Park; from thence to Ashe Grove, where he came out in view of several of the horsemen, and crossed the South Western Railway, which at this place presents a somewhat deep cutting: having gained the opposite bank he laid himself down much exhausted, and awaited the approach of the hounds, one of which made a dash at him before he attempted to move, when, as a last effort, he recrossed the railway and gained the copse; but the hounds were too close upon him, and the who-hoop proclaimed the finale of a pretty hunting run occupying one hour and forty-five minutes. They drew for and found a second fox at Ashton Copse, which went away instantly through a small covert and Waltham Trindleys, pointing for Blackwood, when from some cause he turned short to the right, through Westwood to Waltham Wood, where he was lost after a smart scurry of twenty-six minutes. I am informed of their having had an extensive run on the 2nd of December, from Freefolk Wood, by Overton, through Deans Wood, and that they lost near Wolverton; but I am not in possession of the details sufficiently to give a more perfect description of the day's sport.

More than ordinary interest is excited when a new master of hounds takes the field for the first time; and as the opening day at Sir John Cope's has for many years been a scene of great attraction, it follows that the worthy Baronet's successor (Mr. Wheble) would have a numerous assemblage of friends and sportsmen to offer their courtesies on the occasion. It is almost needless to mention that the hospitalities of a country gentleman's seat were displayed in profusion. Mr. Wheble has entered upon the arduous duties of a master of hounds under most favourable auspices, with an opportunity of forming a first-rate pack; which seldom happens to the most favoured of Dame

Fortune's protégés. Sir John Cope has hunted the Bramshill country near about thirty-five years; and if his hounds during the latter portion of the time were not in every respect quite so perfect in all appliances as in the worthy Baronet's more vigorous days; still there is the material left, and the same good blood to go on with. To these the beautiful little lady pack formed by Mr. Montagu have been added; and thus, by drafting down to fifty-four couples and a-half, great symmetry and perfection is apparent in the female line, than which I have seldom seen a more beautiful lot; though perhaps some of the dog hounds may appear a little throaty; a fault conspicuous in other packs in this part of the kingdom. Sir John Cope appears to have been able to put forward from seven to ten couples of hounds annually from his own kennel. Masters of hounds, who are fortunate enough to have command of walks sufficient for their annual entry, have a manifest advantage over those who are compelled to purchase. Knowing the peculiar propensities of certain families, they are enabled to avoid imperfections and vices, which they cannot guard against in hounds they buy; in which nearly all they can discover is symmetry, till the first season's probation develops a host of imperfections. Constitution, nose, riotous propensities, and the numerous ills to which canine “flesh is heir to," must be a matter of speculation. On the 31st of October Mr. Wheble advertised his first appointment at Bullmershe Court. Fine as the day was, the atmosphere was not propitions for hunting. The condition of the pack, so far as appearances afford a criterion, was excellent; perhaps somewhat high for the fast countries; but as they have often very long and tiring days in a deep country, it is probably a fault on the right side. The coverts around Bullmershe Court were blank, but as they were about to draw Palmers Wood a fox was disturbed by some foot people, and the hounds were taken to the spot without ever getting on good terms with him, they hunted him to Maiden Early, where he was eventually lost. They then returned to Palmers Wood, but as it was late in the day, and as I had some distance to ride home, I left them. Up to the present period they have had a fair average sport.

The kennels at Bullmershe Court are very complete and well arranged; they are constructed out of some buildings previously used as loose boxes, consequently nothing on that score is to be apprehended as conducive to rheumatic affections. The boiling house is fitted up with a steam apparatus, similar to that at the Vine kennels at Overton. It is certainly the greatest improvement in kennel economy that has been introduced for many years, which, I feel convinced, every master of hounds will acknowledge when they try it; I quite expect it will be, as the improvement becomes known, the universal appendage to every kennel, and numerous thanks will be due to Mr. St. John for being the first to introduce such a decided improvement in the culinary department. The convenience, economy, cleanliness, and perfection in boiling the flesh are subjects individually worthy of notice; but the great recommendation in my opinion consists in being able to boil the pudding without a possibility of burning it.

Apropos to the boiling-house is the subject of food; one of no

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