arranged for their immediate return to London by the dinner hour, again to prosecute as ardently and as judiciously those duties which from their station in life they are called upon to fulfil. We have known men who have taken an active and distinguished part in the debates of the House of Commons, which have been prolonged to the hour of two in the morning, yet lead the field on the following day in the distant counties of Lincolnshire, Lancashire, Staffordshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, and Rutlandshire. The heir to the ducal honours of Rutland would fight the Protectionist battle knee-deep in blood, and the next morning attempt to take the Ouse in his stride at the rate of a hundred miles an hour. Ulysses was a versatile man, strong in camp or council; but he was a common dodger, a mere Jack Dawkins in versatility, compared with some of the fox-hunting scions of our English aristocracy. But to return to railways: for long distances, and where they travel, cover-hacks will soon be dispensed with altogether. We shall yet hear of Sir Tatton Sykes, instead of jumping on his thoroughbred hack, and going 20 miles to cover, jumping into a railway carriage, hunting with the Cottesmore in the Midland counties, and then returning to Sledmere to dinner by a 7 o'clock train. THE FORTHCOMING HUNTING SEASON. BY CECIL. The harvest-Cub-hunting -Preservation of foxes; their habits-Changes in hunting countries-The Pytchley Hunt-Mr. Giles's retirement from the Ledbury Hunt-Condition of horses; feet and legs-Mr. Theobald-Yachting. "Pater ipse colendi Haud facilem esse viam voluit, primusque per artem VIRGIL. Never has the harvest been secured under circumstances more fortuitous, throughout the United Kingdom, than the past. Tho farmer's cares and toils, inspired by hope, have been happily realized. Productive-could I but likewise add profitable-crops, with a beautiful season to gather them, have rewarded his labours; the weather, with few exceptions, could not have been more favourable: thus his expenses in housing the grain have been moderate-a bountiful dispensation of Providence, which must be gratefully acknowledged by all classes. How different would the condition of the agriculturists have been if the following remark of Virgil's had been applicable! 66 Rapidus montano flumine torrens Sternit agros, sternit sata læta boumque labores, The cheering sound of the horn has once more aroused the sportsman from his revery. "The echoing hills and chiding hounds invite," and U cub-hunting has commenced in earnest; although the dry weather which has prevailed, by rendering the ground hard and scent indifferent, the early part of the season has been by no means favourable for the tuition of young hounds, or advancement in the condition of old ones; but, as the time wears on, we may reasonably anticipate a propitious change. Can there be a man whose soul is so inanimate as not to be aroused by the gladsome preparations for the chase. If there be one in this infelicitous condition, I would exhort him, as he loves himself, his kindred, and his country, "to hie him to the joyful cry." It will dispel his lethargic dreams, elevate his hopes, beguile his cares, and render his temper gracious. The preservation of game to the enormous extent which it was wont to be carried on is not quite so fashionable as it has hitherto been, in consequence of which foxes are less exposed to the keeper's enmity; there is, on this account, a good report of the vulpine family in most countries. It is also reasonable to expect that foxes will improve in stoutness and knowledge of country, from the fact that fewer importations will be required, as it must be universally admitted those bred in a country are far superior to such as are purchased and turned down; a practice that is occasionally resorted to in many hunts, although perhaps only acknowledged by few. There is, no doubt, as much difference in the goodness of foxes as there is in hounds and horses-an hereditary attribute-at the same time, situation and climate have their influences, as they have with other animals. Foxes bred in woodlands and wild districts must, from their habits, acquire different propensities from those which are more artificially reared in gorse coverts, under the immediate protection of Cubs removed when young from one covert to another require at first to be fed; and they never afterwards become wild, vigorous, and independent, qualifications essentially necessary for sport, with hounds in first-rate condition, and otherwise up to the mark. It is true, when each are tolerably well matched, providing there is a scent, a run will generally be the result, but that is not the principle to act upon. A lot of bad horses will oftentimes produce a good race, still the excitement is widely different between the result of such an event and that wherein the competition takes place between first-rate nags. man. Judging from the number of candidates who offer themselves whenever a country becomes vacant, it would appear that the onerous avocations of a master of foxhounds led to most flattering consequences and delightful realities, and by those who are truly qualified it is one of the most distinguished and gratifying posts a country gentleman can occupy or aspire to, but it is a pinnacle of fame to which few are destined to ascend, so few possessing the requisite qualifications. Some may be gifted with princely fortunes-no inconsiderable recommendation; yet they may want the ardour, zeal, and experience absolutely necessary to carry out the enterprise successfully. Others, with more limited means, may lack the influence-another very conspicuous feature, pregnant with disappointment. There are few occupations in which a gentleman's services are brought before the public in a more precarious form. While one man attains great popularity, another finds himself in a position quite the reverse. One fails to show sport because his first season is unfortunate; weather and other impediments, over which human nature has no control, may tend to establish a bad name, than which there is nothing more difficult to contend against, so great is the influence of first impressions. Opinions are too frequently hastily expressed. With subscription packs, in populous countries, this is particularly obvious; where every individual who subscribes his money imagines himself in a position to offer an opinion, however incapable he may be of forming a correct judgment. If gentlemen, when they enrol their names as subscribers to hounds, would bear in mind the numerous conflicting opinions to which the new master is about to render himself amenable, the office would be divested of many of its unpleasant conditions. A master of hounds should be regarded as a commander-in-chief, whose mandate should be law on all subjects appertaining to the chase. In the field, no one courteously disposed would presume to remonstrate with him, or to question any act which he may consider as conducive to sport and essential for the benefit of the pack. If any event should occur which may be supposed disadvantageous to sport or the interest of the hunt, a meeting should be convened, the subject discussed, and the master of the hounds requested to alter or amend the grievance, but individual remonstrance should be scrupulously avoided. The lamented death of Lord Alford having rendered the Pytchley country vacant, it became necessary to select a successor. It is somewhat singular that this, which is considered the best country in England, should be so frequently destined to changes in the management of the hounds. On reference to some memoranda of "olden times," I find that, in the year 1820, Sir Bellingham Graham was master of the Pytchley, but only during one season, when he took to the Quorn from Mr. Osbaldeston. Who succeeded the Baronet in Northamptonshire I do not recollect, unless it was the Squire; and if so, it could be not longer than two seasons, as the latter gentleman was at the head of the Quorn in 1823. Without being able to fill up the interregnum, Mr. Musters must have been hunting the Pytchley during several seasons. Mr. Osbaldeston, Lord Chesterfield, Mr. Russell, Mr. Paine, and Lord Alford have been the respective masters within the range of about fifteen years. The Hon. F. Villiers, who has now undertaken the important duty, will, it is to be hoped, continue it for a more lengthened period. Intimately acquainted with the country, and not only with the country, but also with the inhabitants, an excellent sportsman, and endowed with every necessary quality, Mr. Villiers commences under the most sanguine expectations. With feelings of unmitigated regret I have to announce the retirement of Mr. Giles from the management of the Ledbury hounds, a feeling which will be responded to, not only by the residents in that truly sporting country, but by all zealous fox-hunters, as a sentiment which always prevails when any master of hounds resigns his occupation, who has acquired an unusual share of popularity and esteem, and displays an accurate knowledge of the "noble science." Mr. Giles hunted the Ledbury country some ten or twelve years ago, when I had, on two or three occasions, an opportunity of meeting them, but I cannot pronounce them as being at that period by any means clever. Since then, Mr. Giles gave them up for a few seasons, and went to reside during the winter months at Cheltenham, from whence he had constant opportunities of joining Earl Fitzhardinge's and Lord Redesdale's hounds. Carefully watching the tactics of such superior artists as the noble Earl, his huntsman, Harry Ayris, and James Hills, it is not probable but that Mr. Giles profited by his observations, and gained a considerable portion of knowledge in the sylvan craft. I have been informed by Lord Gifford, than whom there cannot be a better judge, that the pack which Mr. Giles had got together, and that in a very short space of time, was one of the most perfect of the present day; remarkable for the truth with which they stuck to their foxes, twisting and driving them with wonderful energy through the strong coverts, which are numerous in that district, and finally killing, or accounting for their game, in a most satisfactory manner; moreover, that the way in which Mr. Giles handled his hounds entitled him to the proud distinction of being a firstclass gentleman huntsman. There are some persons disposed to object to gentlemen hunting their own hounds; but in countries where the subscription is limited, unless they were to do so, hunting could not be carried on at all; or if it were, misapplied economy would, of necessity, render some other important consideration defective, and a third-rate huntsman, in the character of a servant, must be put up with, whose talent might perchance be very inferior to his master's. It has been my good fortune to have met with many gentlemen who hunted their own hounds, perfect adepts in the science. It is also true I have met with many muffs;" but I think the gentlemen have collectively and proportionately displayed as much or more talent than their humbler cotemporaries. I will mention as most superior performers in the art, Sir Bellingham Graham, Squire Osbaldeston, who, it is to be regretted, have retired; the late Mr. Musters, Earl Fitzhardinge-who, till of late years, always hunted his own hounds-Mr. T. A. Smith, Lord Gifford Mr. Vyner, (unfortunately, also on the retired list), Mr. Montagu, and, according to report, Mr. Giles. What cannot a man accomplish with a good head on his shoulders, and a heart and soul devoted to the good cause? Some men have a talent for forming a nice pack of hounds in a short time, and of handling them artistically, while others never accomplish it in the whole course of their lives, and yet expend fortunes in the attempt. The Ledbury country is strong, and in several parts difficult to ride over. Many of the enclosures are small, and there are some formidable hills, with a considerable number of large woods, distressing to hounds; but there is a fair proportion of grass, and generally speaking, the land holds an average amount of scent. Mr. Giles has proved that it is capable of affording sport; but it requires a man to be well acquainted with it; and moreover he must be a good judge of the run of foxesone of the most important studies in an enclosed woodland country to which a huntsman can devote his attention to be enabled to kill them : it can only be gained by experience and persevering observation. I should like much to know what sort of account some huntsmen would give of their fox in these enclosures, whom I have seen in open countries, depending upon the assistance of a whipper-in sent forward to view the fox-a practice which cannot be too strongly censured. If there is no better employment than that for a whipper-in when out with hounds, his services might be well dispensed with, and the expense of keeping him and his horses devoted to some better purpose. A close-hunting hound with great courage-qualities difficult to meet with combined-is very essential in the Ledbury country; and these A are perfections in which I am informed Mr. Giles's hounds excelled. flashy pack, always flinging beyond the line of scent, would not adorn the kennel-doors with many noses throughout the season. To cross this country the horses must be perfect at their fences, for many of them are very strong, with deep blind ditches; and others require an animal that will creep, as there are many cramp places and much hedgerow timber which frequently precludes the possibility of flying the fence. The hills render short legs and good backs desirable; and not only must a horse be able to get up hills, but descend them quickly also-no inconsiderable accomplishment; and yet one that is very frequently disregarded. When the scent is good, condition is a sine quâ non, and here a short digression on the old-fashioned grazing system. Many years ago I made up my mind never again to attempt riding a horse as a hunter that had been turned out to grass during the summer months. Last season, however, I was tempted by the very superior appearance of a horse that was offered to me, to alter my determination, although I was not at the time aware that he had been subjected to such treatment more than a week or two. The result was that he melted like butter in the sun, and with all the care and attention I could bestow upon him he was never fit to go, throughout the season. It is true the last was one of unusual severity; but it will be a long time ere I am again induced to admit a grass-fed horse into my stables under the denomination of a hunter. The constant vexation and disappointment arising from want of condition convert that which should be a pleasure into mortification. To have a horse breaking-out after a day's work, refusing to feed, and not recovering under eight or ten days, are items of annoyance requiring more philosophy than I possess, especially knowing they may be avoided. How infinitely indebted is the sporting world to poor Nimrod, for having laid down the groundwork of a system so universally beneficial both to riders and their horses. His advice was founded on reason, and practical experience has subsequently furnished ample proofs of the value of his theory: it is astonishing there should be a single dissentient voice raised against it. Our most learned physiologists inform us that the quality of the blood depends upon the nature of the food with which the animal is supplied; that the muscles, fat, and other substances derive their nourishment, and are constantly resupplied by the blood; therefore the powers of the horse are most materially regulated by the description of nourishment afforded to him. Any person who has devoted the slightest attention to the management of horses, must be practically aware of the effect of diet, and of the consequences of a change from hay and corn to grass. Firm texture of muscle is one of the principal causes which renders the horse capable of endurance; that desirable texture is acquired from the properties contained in hay and corn, accompanied with proper exercise: by substituting grass the muscles soon lose that valuable character, and combined with idleness fat predominates, which latter substance soon wastes away when the animal is put into work. The change from good to bad condition is very rapid, from the relaxing effects of succulent food containing only a small proportion of those elements which, through the agency of the blood, are capable of conversion into muscular fibre: on the other hand, the change from bad to good condition is slow, because time and work are indispensable to re-establish muscular fibre. From this |