One of the most striking features in the aspect of this chosen region of fox-hunting, is the quiet easy manner in which the sportsmen take the thing.  On they go—­now trotting gently over the flints—­now softly ambling along the grassy ridge of some stupendous hill—­now quietly following each other in long-drawn files, like geese, through some close and deep ravine, or interminable wood, which re-echoes to their never-ceasing holloas—­every man shouting in proportion to the amount of his subscription, until day is made horrible with their yelling.  There is no pushing, jostling, rushing, cramming, or riding over one another; no jealousy, discord, or daring; no ridiculous foolhardy feats; but each man cranes and rides, and rides and cranes in a style that would gladden the eye of a director of an insurance office.

The members of the Surrey are the people that combine business with pleasure, and even in the severest run can find time for sweet discourse, and talk about the price of stocks or stockings.  “Yooi wind him there, good dog, yooi wind him.”—­“Cottons is fell.”—­“Hark to Cottager!  Hark!”—­“Take your bill at three months, or give you three and a half discount for cash.”  “Eu in there, eu in, Cheapside, good dog.”—­“Don’t be in a hurry, sir, pray.  He may be in the empty casks behind the cooper’s.  Yooi, try for him, good bitch.  Yooi, push him out.”—­“You’re not going down that bank, surely sir?  Why, it’s almost perpendicular!  For God’s sake, sir, take care—­remember you are not insured.  Ah! you had better get off—­here, let me hold your nag, and when you’re down you can catch mine;—­that’s your sort but mind he doesn’t break the bridle.  He won’t run away, for he knows I’ve got some sliced carrots in my pocket to reward him if he does well.—­Thank you, sir, and now for a leg up—­there we are—­that’s your sort—­I’ll wait till you are up also, and we’ll be off together.”

It is this union of the elegant courtesies and business of life with the energetic sports of the field, that constitutes the charm of Surrey hunting; and who can wonder that smoke-dried cits, pent up all the week, should gladly fly from their shops to enjoy a day’s sport on a Saturday?  We must not, however, omit to express a hope that young men, who have their way to make in the world, may not be led astray by its allurements.  It is all very well for old-established shopkeepers “to do a bit of pleasure” occasionally, but the apprentice or journeyman, who understands his duties and the tricks of his trade, will never be found capering in the hunting field.  He will feel that his proper place is behind the counter; and while his master is away enjoying the pleasures of the chase, he can prig as much “pewter” from the till as will take both himself and his lass to Sadler’s Wells theatre, or any other place she may choose to appoint.