A very mistaken notion prevails with those who have hunted all their lives in distant countries, that horses having been ridden in Hampshire can know nothing about fencing. It depends entirely upon the person who rides them. A man may, in many parts, get about after hounds without scarcely ever riding over a fence; but if he goes with them, it is another affair; he will find many which, though not large, are intricate, requiring activity from his horse. For the purpose of making hunters, it is one of the best countries I ever was in; but there are so few bred in it, that it is not probable ever to become a place of resort for persons who desire to reinforce their cavalry departments. The northern district of country, hunted by the Vine hounds, contains fences that will call into effect the best energies of the most experienced hunter; and I am informed that part of Lord Gifford's country, in the neighbourhood of Hartley, is very strongly fenced, just the style of country to suit his lordship; but unfortunately it does not abound with foxes. It might be expected that I should introduce the names of those gentlemen who are most conspicuous when hounds are running a course, which I have adopted in former communications; but I am of opinion, from past experience, it is better omitted-for various reasons. Some, however well they may ride to hounds, do not wish to have their exploits recorded. Others, who perhaps do not go quite so well, fancy themselves slighted or neglected if they are not noticed; while many, who have not the slightest pretension to distinction, are vastly annoyed at being left out. Now, as my motive in taking these "Notes of the Chase" is fraught with a most earnest desire to afford pleasurable and satisfactory sensibilities, I conceive my object will be more completely attained by dealing with generalities, than personalities of any kind, in matters appertaining to individual prowess. The machinery of the Vine hunt has been, unfortunately, much out of joint for some time, in consequence of the bad fall which Cox, the huntsman, met with in December. The whipper-in was advanced for a time; but forgetting himself on being remonstrated with, by one of the members of the hunt, for making too constant use of his horn, his dismissal followed; so that as soon as Cox was sufficiently recovered to resume his duties, a whipper-in was wanted—a functionary not to be dispensed with in any country, but in parts of the Vine more than commonly necessary; and when another man is appointed, it will take some time before he and the hounds can become on terms of acquaintance with each other. Under these circumstances it is not to be wondered at that "the Vine" is not in a flourishing condition.

On the 13th of this month, these hounds met at the Vine, where they found an abundance of foxes, but not much scent; having changed, they ran one to Chinham, where they lost him; came back to the Vine, found another, which also beat them; and after drawing the coverts in the line, found another at Drunken Tiddle, or some such queer-named place, in all probability one which had been disturbed in the morring from the Vine, as he led them back again to that place, where they eventually lost him. It was a severe day for the hounds, as they were running upwards of four hours, with a very bad scent, and several foxes on foot they were constantly overridden; a very common occurrence with most packs, more especially those where there is no mester or efficient member in authority to keep the field in some order-an office by no means enviable-or easy of accomplishment. It is not the man

who rides in a forward place when hounds are running, with his eye attentively upon them, and his hands ready to obey his eye by stopping or turning his horse on the instant that he sees occasion for it, who does the mischief; but those who think of nothing but going a-head, regardless of what hounds are doing, and when they come to a check, ride slap in amongst them. To discriminate between these two very different classes of persons, is one of the most important services a master of hounds, or member of a hunt, acting in the way of master of the ceremonies, has to attend to in the endeavour of keeping a field in order. Indeed, no man ought ever to attempt it, unless he can make the distinction, and is sufficiently conversant with hunting, never to transgress Limself.

On the 15th, the Vine hounds met at the kennels, and found in a covert near Laverstock; but, from what cause I cannot determine, the hounds did not settle well down to him; his line was that of the railway, intended as an extension to Salisbury, and some other places perhaps, known or dreamt of by the projectors, and, like many other lines, begun but not completed. Now, whether this fox had any interest in this line, or whether he was a "commercial gentleman" sent down by some railway committee, for the purpose of making inspections, it is not in my power to state; certainly his running was very capricious and incomprehensible, especially at first; but the hounds marked him, or another, to ground at Hog diggings, though I would not be sworn they had not changed. A second fox was found in a covert hard by, which they ran into after a pretty chevy of about thirtyfive minutes; the scent with the second far better than with the first fox, at all events the hounds spoke more volubly in admiration of their new acquaintance.

A change has come over the surface of the earth during the latter portion of the past week. The scent has improved, and hounds have been going gaily. Sir John Cope's, The Craven, and the South Berkshire, have all had capital runs; and the Vine, on the 20th, had a burst seldom equalled for pace. They met at Nuthanger, drew some small coverts blank, and then proceeded to Fro Park, where there was a brace of foxes, one of which went away instantly; but as the hounds were on the line of the other, they were held on to him. After running him a short time in covert, he broke away towards Kingsclere, bearing to the right across the vale, which, in consequence of the rain that has lately fallen, was very heavy; bearing still to the right, he approached Sidmonton Downs, which he boldly faced, ascending the steep hill, a choker at all times, but especially after going an ultra pace for some time previously. Having gained the summit of the Downs, the pace increased, as it was upwind, and nearly all the horses were beaten off. At the end of the Down, adjoining Sidmonton Park, the hounds came to a check, after racing their fox from the covert to this point, just twenty-three minutes. The park palings being impracticable, and all the gates fastened, some time elapsed; but the cast which was made to the left proved unsuccessful, and the fox was virtually lost at this place. It proved afterwards that six couples of the hounds had slipped away from the body of the pack, under the hill, unobserved, in consequence of a fog which then prevailed; and there is no doubt the fox got back to the covert in which he was found, and as he is of a good stout sort, will take some killing when found again.

150

PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS OF THE METROPOLIS.

"There is a tide in the affairs of men,

Which taken at the flood
Leads on to fortune."

SHAKSPEARE.

California, with its indigenous ore, is a region not likely at these presents to be explored by metropolitan managers, who have the precious metal brought to their doors instead of their seeking it abroad. Some people attribute the present prosperous state of the theatres to the patronage lately bestowed upon the drama by the highest personage in the realm. Without stopping to discuss the question whether this be the cause or not, we record the fact of nightly overflows as a most pleasing and gratifying change in matters theatric; and, at the same time, cherish the fond wish that with our managers the present tide of success will

"Lead on to fortune."

Shakspeare is triumphant at the HAYMARKET, with Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kean as chief exponents. "Hamlet" and the "Merchant of Venice" are strongly cast, and brought forward with evident care and attention on the part of the management. Mr. Kean's Hamlet is greatly improved since last witnessed. Indeed-albeit in parts greatly wanting in dignity-it indisputably ranks as a thoroughly artistic per formance. Mrs. Kean's Ophelia is perfect-so exquisitely touching, tender, and forsaken. By the way, the Portia of this able actress must not be lost sight of, were it only to witness the vast amount of histrionic ability displayed in the trial scene. The Christmas extrava ganza is played nightly to crowded audiences, whose mirth is continually engendered by the many seasonable jokes interspersed, and pointed allusions to passing events, which lose none of their effect from the dra matis personc. The pas de l'ombre of Mrs. Keeley, after the fashion of Cerito, is perfectly delicious; so very droll-so prodigiously funnyso divertingly amusing-is this scene, that to suppress one's risible fa culties at such a time is a task as unlikely as to expect civility and change from the fraternity of cabmen, or reason, candour, and justice in the Palace Court. Messrs. Brough the authors, and Webster the manager, may be fairly congratulated on the unequivocal success of "Camaralzaman and Badoura"'—a success meritoriously won.

Judging from the brilliant and fashionable appearance of the ST. JAMES's, an auspicious career of the Opera Comique may be reasonably augured. "Domino Noir" and the "Ambassadrice" are operas involving considerable sprightliness of libretto, with much enchanting music. Mademoiselle Charton shines in twofold capacity. Besides being a most expressive vocalist, she is a highly pleasing, captivating, and arch actress. Such an acquisition cannot fail to be properly appreciated by the courtly subscribers to Mr. Mitchell's agreeable series of entertainments.

Deeds of dreadful note are being committed in Oxford Street, where the lessee of the PRINCESS's is mangling, in most heinous fashion, Harold's "Marie." Before attempting opera, Mr. Maddox should contrive to engage fit and proper aid for the purpose of effectually carrying out any laudable intention he may entertain of placing before the public the valued compositions of the great masters. As it is, he is not in a condition to do more than to evoke general censure for the disgraceful and contemptible manner he appears disposed to treat the works of composers of high standing in the musical world. In the present instance of "Marie," the total incapacity of the vocal and instru mental performers is painfully apparent. The singing of the chorus is not merely bad, but it is positively vile and intolerable. The orchestra is, if possible, worse than ever; and, sooth to say, it was never above mediocrity-the discordant noises proceeding from the "band of fierce barbarians" inspire the unfortunate auditor with feelings of unmitigated disgust and the most appalling horror.

The SURREY, after having undergone extensive alterations, is open is a richly redecorated form. Mr. Shepherd, Mr. Emery, Miss Vincent, and Mrs. Tellett are amongst the company. "The Bivouac of the Hills," and "A Night in the Tower," afford an opportunity for the display of the varied talents of these several performers. Judging from the liberal applause bestowed, it is not too much to say that the audience highly approve of the exertions made to contribute to their amuseTom Mathews is in high favour here as Clown in "Harlequin

ment.

Lord Lovel."

The "Tableaux Vivans" at the MINERVA HALL, in the Haymarket, vividly bespeak the exceeding care and attention bestowed on the grouping, by Mr. Abraham Cooper-a name familiar to those of our readers conversant with this celebrated artist's subjects in the Royal Academy.

The POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTION is prolific in novelties of most amusing and scientific kind. To the Dissolving Views the directors of this admirably conducted institution have lately added the region, which thousands are desirous of being entertained with anything but a dissolving view of California.

STATE OF THE ODDS, &e.

Although the Derby is still in the shade as a betting race, it has not been without an important feature during the last few weeks. This has been developed in a very strong feeling for or from John Scott's stable in favour of Nunny-kirk and Strongbow. It rather increases than otherwise, and any offer at or near the prices quoted is always considered acceptable. They look very like becoming the utrumque horum that have so often puzzled the Northern lights which to get on. Lord Eglinton stands next best for the month; Elthiron coming again with a very fair promise of staying, and the crack once more having a decided lead of the field. Tadmor, Honeycomb, and Co. have a very "" as you were" appearance, and the business on them has been as unimportant in amount as uninteresting in its result.

With the nominations out and weights fixed, the Chester Cup has a much more "ship-shape" look than of late, and indeed has only now to be put

into proper marching order by the further sifting out of the acceptances: this will be effected by the first of February. In the meanwhile we have confined our report to the turn business has taken since the handicap appeared. From this estimate it will be gathered that the Irish are in good heart and hope with Blucher, Farewell, Ballinafad, and King of Kildare; John Day threatening with Cossack; Dawson ready for one pull more with the old mare Inheritress, and Newmarket by no means dissatisfied with the Colonel's filly for a champion. The hardest hits yet struck have been for Blucher and Inheritress-the horse, who showed at home in good form towards the close of last season, first favourite beyond a doubt. The number of subscribers reach to two hundred and one!-plus forty-seven over last year. If they only accept and saddle in something like the same proportion, "the charge" must be a grand one.

For the Metropolitan, Canezou and Lugar-a young one of Lord Eglinton's-have been selected as best in; the mare being especially fancied, and, by the reading of the handicap, with very good reason. This race, too, boasts of increased support in the way of nominations sent in; so that the weeping willow of "mine host" is not all round his hat yet. Unhappy Doncaster, however, wears it, and with a very bad grace; for her sins have long merited the neglect now experienced.

THE CHESTER CUP.-25 to 1 against Blucher, 4 years old, 7st. 8lb.; 30 to 1 against Cossack, 5 years old, 9st. 7lb.; 28 to 1 against Geraldine, 6 years old, 6st. 12lb.; 25 to 1 against Inheritress, aged, 8st. 6lb.; 40 to 1 against Dacia, 4 years old, 7st. 21b.; 40 to 1 against Ellerslie, 4 years old, 7st.; 40 to 1 against Farewell, 4 years old, 6st. 10lb.; 3000 to 60 against Ballinafad, 5 years old, 7st. 2lb.; 50 to 1 against Sylvan, 4 years old, 7st. 2lb.; 40 to 1 against Executor, 5 years old, 7st. 121b.; 50 to 1 against Chanticleer, 6 years old, 9st. 9lb.; 50 to 1 against Do-it-again, 4 years old, 6st. 13lb.; 100 to 1 against Miss Nipper, 4 years old, 5st. 121b.; 1000 to 15 against King of Kildare, 4 years old, 7st. 4lb.; 50 to 1 against Clermont, 5 years old, 7st. 6lb.; 1000 to 15 against Rathmines, 5 years old, 6st. 10lb.; 33 to 1 against The Tartar, 5 years old, 7st. 81b.; 3000 to 60 against Peep-o'-day Boy, 5 years old, 8st. 5lb.; 1000 to 15 against Pelham, 3 years old, 5st. 5lb.; 1000 to 15 against Dulcet, aged, 7st. 101b.

THE METROPOLITAN HANDICAP.-8 to 1 against Canezou, 4 years old, 8st. llb.; 20 to 1 against Lugar, 3 years old, 4st. 10lb.; 15 to against Dacia, 4 years old, 6st. 11lb.; 15 to 1 against Loup-Garou, 3 years old, 5st. 21b.; 30 to 1 against Rowland, 3 years old, 5st.; 30 to 1 against Executor, 5 years old, 8st. 3lb.; 33 to 1 against Maid of Lyme, 6 years old, 6st.11lb.; 16 to 1 against Flatcatcher, 4 years old, 8st.; 16 to 1 against Backbiter, 4 years old, 6st 11lb.; 18 to 1 against Clarissa, 3 years old, 4st. 9lb.; 33 to 1 against Dotheboys (late Borneo), 3 years old, 5st.

THE NORTHAMPTONSHIRE STAKES.-12 to 1 against The Cur, aged, 9st.; 20 to 1 against War Eagle, 5 years old, 8st. 13lb.

THE LIVERPOOL STEEPLE CHASE.-15 to 1 against Proceed, 20 to 1 against Chandler, 20 to 1 against The British Yeoman, 20 to 1 against The Iron Duke, 25 to 1 against Gamester, 25 to 1 against The Curate, 30 to 1 against Shamrock, 30 to 1 against Sir John.