THE QUORN 



95 



When the Duke of Bedford, then Marquis of Tavistock, 

 gave up the Oakley country to the Honourable Grantley 

 Berkeley in 1829, Lord Southampton purchased the 

 Oakley hounds, which from their blood were in high 

 repute, combining much of the old Pytchley and 

 Badminton sort, and engaged George Mountford to 

 accompany them as huntsman, with George Beers to 

 whip-in. About this time new kennels were built at 

 Leicester, and the hounds were removed to them, and 

 instead of being called the Quorn as heretofore, they 

 were called Lord Southampton's hounds, in conse- 

 quence of which it was generally apprehended by those 

 whose fond remembrances associated with 6 days of 

 auld lang syne,' that the quondam glories of the Quorn 

 would be lost. Still the country was unaltered, and 

 the hounds afforded first-rate sport. 



In 1831 Lord Southampton found a successor in Sir 

 Harry Goodricke, Bart., who undertook to hunt the 

 country without any subscription, and payed covert 

 rents, earth-stoppings, and even damages, with a 

 liberal hand. They were now called Sir Harry Good- 

 ricke 's hounds; and another removal of the kennels 

 took place. Leicester was certainly not ia central situ- 

 ation, whatever other advantages it might have pos- 

 sessed; to obviate which Sir Harry built new kennels 

 at Thrussington, nearly mid- way between Melton and 

 Leicester; a more convenient spot could not be 

 selected. Mountford continued with the hounds as 

 before, when either illness or an accident prevented 

 him from performing his duties in the field, his 

 place was supplied by William Derry. At the con- 

 clusion of the first season Sir Harry had an opportunity 

 of making an addition to his pack by the purchase of 

 Mr. Shaw's hounds; that gentleman giving up the 

 country in the neighbourhood of Lichfield and Sutton 

 Coldfield, in consequence of deficiency of foxes. 



During the short period Sir Harry was destined to 

 preside over the hunting arrangements of Leicester- 

 shire, his liberal disposition, kindness of manners, and 



