92 MEMORIES OF THE SHIRES 



a cub killed, and others hunted in small circles, 

 did not appeal to those who wanted a gallop, but 

 the master elected to try Walton Thorns on the 

 way to kennels. The litter here had been hunted 

 on a previous occasion, and the fox we found this 

 time I feel sure was a cub ; but two or three fields 

 away is Cradock's Ashes, and it was there I believe 

 we changed on to an old fox. Up to that point 

 hounds had run as if there was little scent, but 

 they quickly changed their tune then, so much 

 so that they were into Mundy's Gorse before the 

 majority of the field knew they had gone. 



A bend to the right gave those who were quick 

 a chance of making up leeway, and then for fifteen 

 minutes we were galloping best pace over an ideal 

 country. 



The remainder of the run was by no means slow, 

 the pack occasionally having to put their heads 

 down and then driving on again ; but they were 

 never at fault for long, and horses had all they 

 could do to keep with them. He must have been an 

 exceptionally bold fox, as he never condescended 

 to enter a covert until, too weary to go farther, he 

 turned aside and found refuge in the main earth 

 at Welby Osierbeds, but I firmly believe that 

 Melton Spinney was his point. From Walton 

 Thorns to the plantation belt south of Ab-Kettleby, 

 known locally as the Cat's Tail, the line was nearly 

 straight, the only deviation being to avoid Lord 

 Aylesford's and Grimstone Gorse. Such a good 

 fox every one said deserved to live, and doubtless 

 they were right, but I fear my sympathies were 

 with hounds, and they certainly deserved their fox. 



In looking over my account of the run I come 



