long there were a brace if not a leash of foxes on foot. The body of hounds settling to one, he made frequent attempts to go away, but his laudable intentions were as often frustrated. The scent in covert being tolerably good, and the pack sticking to it with admirable precision, he was at length compelled to quit, and took his line to Fairford Park, where it was evident another of his kindred had gone on the same track; and as the hounds checked at this point, a change would in all probability have taken place but for His Lordship's prompt and able guidance, as a "halloo" caused part of the pack to divide. The leading hounds, however, were kept on the right line, which they hunted in a manner that could not fail to call forth the highest expressions of admiration; and the tail hounds being quickly got to the body, away they went at a rattling pace to the turnpike-road leading from Fairford to Cirencester, just above the sixth mile-stone, where an inviting drain held forth irresistible charms to the vanquished fox. Just at this moment the other was viewed crossing the road; but it was determined that the one which had been hunted should not be suffered to avail himself of his subterranean propensities; consequently he was dug out and killed. Several other coverts, including Furzey field, were drawn blank; but the run had afforded ample satisfaction, and had the fox courageously yielded his life in the open, the termination would certainly have been more gratifying. There is something derogatory to the character of modern fox-hunting in digging the varmint out and worrying him on the drain or earth in which he seeks refuge-a practice which I trust will in general be discontinued. Besides, it is paying pug an ill compliment, and for whom all Sportsmen have so much respect, to condemn him to die the ignominious death of a rat.

On Saturday, February 25th, Lord Gifford's hounds had one of the most severe runs of the season. They met at Crudwell, and, after drawing one covert blank, proceeded to Mr. Perrykean's gorse, which is so uncommonly thick and strong as to defy the power of hounds getting into it; nor could a fox by any probability have been got on foot but by the active exertions of their persevering Huntsman, who found it necessary to get off his horse and render his own personal assistance. Under such circumstances, it naturally occurs that a fox yields no scent that a hound can reach even when found: sometimes jumping over the strong impenetrable short stumps of gorse, at others creeping through spaces too confined for a larger animal to follow, nothing but the personal assistance of the Huntsmen and Whips can be expected to force him from his hold. His Lordship's efforts were crowned with most perfect success. A brace of foxes were disturbed, one of which immediately broke away in the very face of the horsemen, and, after crossing two fields, the pack were got steadily on the line; making for Stonehill, and straight away to Charlton Pond, through the covert to Woodhill, on to Somerford Common at a great pace, which, added to the very deep state of the country, increased to an unusual degree by the late frost, soon began to tell a tail among the horses." His Lordship, nevertheless, went gallantly and well, as did also Lord Andover, Captain Berkeley, Mr. Raymond Cripps, Mr. Price, Mr. Hopton, and several others whose names I was not fortunate enough to learn from Somerford Common to Webbs wood, and on to Ravens

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roost, when a fresh fox was viewed on foot, but fortunately Smart, the dealer of Cricklade, was near enough to decide that it was a fresh one, and by quickly circulating that intelligence was the means of preventing any confusion. A "halloo" was soon after heard on the outside, and the hounds, being at fault, were taken to it; but whether it was the hunted fox or not I think admits of some doubt, especially as he now pursued a new line of country, by taking us straight to Red Lodge; describing somewhat of a circle, he returned to Ravensroost over a deep Vale at a most tremendous pace, after which the greater portion of the Field, having had "enough," retired. A change at this crisis most certainly took place, I am somewhat inclined to conjecture, upon the fox that had been previously brought to this wood, as he led the pack again to Webbs wood, and through it to Flaxings, where the difficulties were increased by the presence of three foxes, with one of which the leading hounds slipped away in the direction of Lydiard Plain, where the hounds, who had beaten all the horses, were whipped off, as the Field had either gone home or were dispersed in every direction.-As it was not more than half-past eleven when the first fox was found, and as the hounds were running hard with few intervals at one fox or other till nearly five, it is needless to add more on the severity of the day. All who were out expressed the highest gratification, not only of the day's sport, but of the masterly manner in which Lord Gifford manages his hounds on all occasions. Captain Caudler, the Master of the Worcestershire, whose judgment on hunting subjects is universally admitted, was on a visit to His Lordship, and expressed the utmost gratification of the day's sport, as well as some astonishment at the severity of the country which they crossed, having hitherto imagined his own to be one of unusual difficulty. The Beadon country, by which that is known over which Lord Gifford's hounds ran on this occassion, has always been acknowledged as one of the best, at the same time most severe of any Vale in England.

Monday, Feb. 27.-In conformity with an arrangement made with Lord Gifford, His Grace the Duke of Beaufort advertised for his hounds to meet at Cirencester woods. Being a non-hunting day with His Lordship, a large muster of the usual attendants on his hounds assembled to welcome the Duke on his visit. The Prince of Tours and Texas, accompanied by Counts Wolworth and Chaco, arrived by train, and, after partaking of breakfast at the Ram, proceeded to the woods, with an arrangement to join the party at Badminton on the conclusion of the anticipated day's sport: but as if to confirm the truth that Princes and Commoners are subject to disappointment, the hounds did not make their appearance. Between the hours of seven and nine, the elements poured forth an unwelcome abundance of snow, which covered the surface of the earth to the depth of several inches; but as there was not any previous frost in the ground, it did not lie, and soon after eleven o'clock it had quite disappeared. Not so, however, at Badminton: a greater quantity had fallen there, which on that elevated spot continued to obscure the country, and render the practicability of hunting apparently impossible; therefore a Whipper-in was sent forward to announce the postponement of the appointment till the following day, under the usual newspaper reservation, "weather permitting." Thus a lark across the country, or a race on the beautiful rides through the

woods, as the respective routes of the assembled horsemen towards their homes suggested, was the only excitement available for the purpose of increasing the circulation, of which the system of man and horse stood in great need from the natural consequence of an hour's inactivity on so cold a morning.

The following day was more fortunate, but as Lord Gifford's hounds met at Ampney Park, it naturally caused a division of the Field, and, being a favorite fixture, many of his Hunt were prevented paying His Grace the compliment they would otherwise have done by joining the Badminton hounds.

It is here, however, necessary to explain, for the information of those who are not acquainted with the country, that Cirencester woods, although a most valuable acquisition to a Master of Hounds, possess very few charms for the "aspirants of riding fame," as, in consequence of their immense extent, it is but seldom that a fox is induced to leave their precincts; but as most of Lord Gifford's Hunt had assembled on the previous day, their respect for and attention to the Duke could in no wise be misint repreted.

The morning of Tuesday, although not affected by frost, was cold and dry, without any probable indication of scent. At the usual hour of meeting, the hounds made their appearance (the Lady pack), and a more beautiful specimen could not have been exhibited: uniform in size, in splendid condition, they proclaimed at once the liberality, the excellent judgment, and the unequivocal zeal for which His Grace of Beaufort ranks unrivalled. Neither were the requisite attentions to the numerous minor events which fall to the care of the servants, and which are essential in combination to accomplish so great a degree of perfection, in the least degree deficient.

I must here crave pardon for having introduced "the pack" previously to the August Personages who arrived to participate in the sport of the day; but I must found my apology on this circumstance only, that as a matter of course the hounds arrived at the place of meeting first, and therefore the notice of them comes in the due order of events. In company with the Duke of Beaufort were, the Prince of Tours and Texas, Counts Chaco, Wolworth, and Esterhazy (cousin to Prince Nicholas), Lord Bathurst, Captains Balfour and Fairlie, Mr. Campbell of Saddell, several Members of the Badminton Hunt, including Messrs. Lovell and C. Talbot, Captain Candler, Master of the Worcestershire, &c.

A small plantation was drawn prior to entering the woods, but there was no fox in it. However, the hounds were not long before they found, and, considering the moderate portion of scent, they did wonders: they drove him admirably through the immense tract of woodlands, and eventually forced him to break to Daneway, leaving Sapperton Church on the left, whence he made an attempt to face the open, but was unfortunately headed by a farming laborer. After loitering in Daneway, he retraced his steps to Cirencester woods, where unluckily the hounds changed to a fresh one. The hunted fox was viewed with his head pointing for Daneway again, but as the Gentleman who saw him was not sufficiently confident at the moment whether it was the right one or not, he was afraid to halloo, and, not being able to fall in with the VOL. I.-THIRD SERIES, N. S.-No. 4,

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Huntsman until too much time had elapsed, the unfortunate change could not be rectified. The fresh fox persisting in running the woods, although the pack persevered with wonderful energy till in fact scent there was none, they were compelled to return home without blood.

The impression which a Foreign Prince must acquire on such an interesting occasion as this cannot fail to produce feelings of the greatest interest and gratification to all parties. In the first place, as the leading Patron of Fox-hunting, the sovereign of British Sports, the Duke of Beaufort cannot but feel, as the Master of such an Establishment, gratified by the elevated station which he sustains. The August Visitors to our Island, who have witnessed the exhilarating scene, must return to their native land with a favorable impression and forcible reminiscences of the amusement in which they have been participators: nor do I know of any situation where their attention could be more particularly attracted than in Cirencester woods. The magnificent rides, which to those not so completely initiated in the love of foxhunting as to enjoy the fun, the dangers, and vicissitudes attendant upon a twenty-minutes burst over Leicestershire, are evidently calculated to afford a most felicitous impression. Moreover, every Englishman must be proud to contemplate the high encomiums which will be conveyed to a distant country of fox-hunting in this kingdom.

Friday, March 3.-Lord Redesdale's hounds met at New Barn, but did not throw off till twelve o'clock in consequence of the frost.Drew the plantation, and the celebrated piece of gorse in the Lodge Park, the latter for the last time-Lord Sherborne having determined upon its being cut up in consequence of the greater portion of the inclosure being occupied as a nursery for trees. Not finding, we moved off to Farmington Grove, where a fox was soon on foot, and having by his appearance indulged himself freely on the good things found in Mr. Waller's covert, he must have fallen a sacrifice to intemperance, had it not been for the wretched state of that indispensable for hunting, scent. Soon after he was found, the leading hounds had a view of him, and ran him over three fields with little or no difference apparently in the relative speed of either, and were nearly making a capture, but regaining the covert, he was enabled to screen himself from observation, and making his exit on the side nearest to Sherborne Cow-pastures, gained a small covert called Sherborne Fork; and whether he went to ground in it, or kept on in his line, I am not quite certain. At all events, in consequence of the extreme deficiency of scent, nothing more could be done with him.-Several other coverts were drawn, but they did not find; and considering the extreme hardness of the ground in consequence of the frost, it is probably fortunate that they did not, for as it was there were numerous falls.

Wednesday, March 8.-Lord Fitzhardinge's hounds met at Star wood. As there was still a very considerable portion of frost in the ground, His Lordship's appearance at the place of meeting was procrastinated a full hour later than the accustomed period, which afforded ample time for looking over and admiring the pack. Not having seen them since the season 1840, I was anxious to have so good an opportu nity to scrutinize appearances, and having given a full description of them in my visit of that year, it will be needless for me to repeat more

than that in appearance they evince the same degree of superiority they then did. Chedworth and Withington woods were drawn, a fox found, and run to ground in a drain, when an hour was lost in a fruitless attempt to bolt the varmint. At length it was ascertained to be a vixen with a litter of cubs laid up in the drain, aud as a matter of course she was allowed to remain unmolested with her little family, none of which fortunately were hurt.-Drew the same coverts again; got upon a second fox, which, after some pressing, seemed inclined to break, but was as frequently headed. At length he got away, the hounds on good terms with him: ran to a plantation about five fields from the woods, on the outside of which the pack closed in upon and killed him, making SIXTY-NINE AND A HALF brace that have fallen before them this season!

On the following day His Lordship met with an unfortunate accident, in consequence of his horse slipping up, and falling heavily on his collar bone, which was broken in two places; and as the season is so near its close, it is feared His Lordship will not be able to appear in the field again, although report speaks well of his progress to convalescence,

CECIL.

THAMES YACHTING.

I ADDRESS you now, an old friend with a new face. I have been wont to tell of deeds by flood and field, of high emprise and gallant daring, when the fleet pack, heads up and sterns down, sped like a flight of wild birds in the chase. To flood alone I now confine my tale. Those joyous days are o'er to memory's eye alone those scenes remain. Heu tempora! Heu Income Tax et id genus omne! I now content myself with an occasional eighteenpenny airing to Gravesend, and shall give you a bit of a yarn as to the doings on Old Thames. I am not a Member of the R. T. Y. C., though their principal and general rule is not to have a yacht, as in the case of Lucus a non lucendo. To dine and make speeches, to dance quadrilles and toast the Ladies, albeit the while rejoicing in a coat with an eruption of R. T. Y. C. buttons, constitute the qualifications for that high distinction, which I have not the honor to claim. The R. T. Y. C. is, like many others, doomed ever to have some kind friend who furnishes the public with such accounts of their proceedings as to make what may be really and truly perfectly rational, appear too absurd even to be believed, and I should advise the Commodore or Captain Meeson to find out the babbler, and take two turns round his tongue or fingers, and belay every inch, Ecce signum. "Woman in her native element, the ball-room, and not exclaim against such a profanation!" Woman! man's intellectual companion, his joy and delight, his solace in trouble, the bright ornament of the Briton's home, in her element amidst the follies and inanities of the ball-room! I was a Member of a Yacht Club once, but we, one