White Sulphur papers; or, Life at the springs of Western Virginia

DEER HUNT AT THE WHITE SULPHUR. 55
the day has a feather in his cap until the next hunt,
and claims the first haunch, with the privilege of
making a present of the
other to w^hom he pleases.
Great preparations were making one morning for
the hunt. A slight rain the evening previous had
laid the dust somewhat, and the ground was thought
to be in good order, and the dogs were keen for the
scent. The President was to attend the hunt that
day, and much pleasure was anticipated, and the
southern men were anxious to show the northerners
a Httle real good sport.
There was a mounting and making ready among
the party. Col. S— —
, Col. H , of Carolina,
and Dr. C , the leaders of the chase, and the
crack shots were there—and Nimrod, raising his
bugle, brought forth the wdiole pack wdth their
music, as loosened from the kennel they came dashing
through the square.
Tliis being an uncommon day, it was given out
that the ladies could accompany the
party, following,
those who pleased, in carriages.
The party started and took the Greenbriar route.
Nimrod with the hounds in front, and then the cavaliers
with their velvet coats and caps, and rifles
and double-barrels. Many of the gentlemen w^ho
carried no guns, preferred ambling along with the
carriages, as much more gallant than leaving them,
for other deer in the mountains.