On Tuesday it froze harder, but the sun shone bright, and old Sol gains power as the days lengthen, and our New Forest pets required air and exercise; besides, we had the long-sought opportunity of seeing the Bever pack, of which we have heard good accounts of their prowess and popularity, but as yet they have never figured in history. The Master, Mr Jacob Reynolds, [of Heath Farm, St Albans] has often enough, for we can remember him in the days of his famous old black, Snob, when he took a lot of catching over a country, as he was as ready for a lark as the hardiest of his followers; but we are all getting more or less grizzled, and it is only at times that we warm up. To-day we had every incentive except scent, for we should have ridden if hounds could only have run; but let us confine ourselves to history and detail the day as it was.

The meet was at Anniballs, [Annabels Farm, Kinsbourne Green, Harpenden] where Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sibley made all welcome. There were the Rev. W. Pope, Mr G. Knott and sons, Mr. and Miss Cox, Messrs Mardall, Dolphin Smith, E. Arnold, T. Connor, R. Mather, Fred Gough (who acted as whip) E. Farr, Hollingsworth (as an influenza convalescent, in a trap), Punch and Fred Warwick on foot. They soon found a hare near Harpenden Bury, that took them to the Redbourn road, where she was headed back to the Little Spinney, but the ground carried, so there was no scent, and a strong hare had every chance, even on the grass. The beagles can hunt, and did their best, showing us some very pretty houndwork, and keeping all going till "Bever" time, when one of those jolly little social gatherings reminded us of old times. After luncheon, the Master said, though time did not allow for much speech-making, he must propose the health of our host and hostess, and in replying Mr. Charles Sibley said that, if possible, his wife was more pleased to see his friends and her friends round the table than he was, and as keen for sport.

Then horses were re-mounted, and everyone was full of ride when a strong hare was found in one of Mr. G. Knott's fields near Kennesbourne Green [Kinsboourne Green], for hounds ran down to the Luton road and up to Couter's End, through the covert, straight to Harpenden Bury, down to the Redbourn road, and turning back gave the ambitious a chance to distinguish themselves over the River Ver and big rails out of the water meadows, which caused grief as hounds hunted up hill to Kennesbourne Green, where a fresh hare was moved and we left them at five o'clock, for we had some way to get home, and the stars began to twinkle ere we sighted the beacon guiding us to the Den.

This picture is said to show Jacob Reymolds and hounds at Heath Farm, and comes from a copy in the collection of Jim Mullary.

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