CHAPTER VII 



THE SHIRES 



BY comparison we are enabled to decide upon the 

 merits which one hunting country possesses over 

 another; but in making those comparisons, many minor 

 details must be brought forward before we can arrive 

 at a fair conclusion, and these details can only be 

 appreciated by persons who have had practical experi- 

 ence in them. 



The Quorn country is generally acknowledged to 

 have assumed a preference over all others ; perhaps that 

 may have originated, in some degree, in consequence of 

 the importance with which Mr. Meynell's brilliant 

 career adorned it. With such a fortuitous commence- 

 ment as an introduction, at a period when ' the noble 

 science ' was in its* infancy, and not conducted with 

 much form or system, it is not surprising that this high 

 character should have been established. Melton 

 Mowbray at an early period became the favoured resort 

 of aristocratic fashionable fox-hunters. No other hunt 

 was equally fortunate, and, as a nucleus of wealth, it 

 has given every encouragement to render Leicester- 

 shire perfect. 



Next in superiority the Pytchley Hunt was by many 

 ranked; but with all the advantages which Leicester- 

 shire presents, it is doubtful whether Northamptonshire 

 is not equally deserving of fame. No one can be more 

 capable of judging on this point than Mr. Osbaldeston, 

 as he hunted both countries, and has been known to 

 declare his opinion in favour of the Pytchley. Without 

 desiring to detract from the one at the expense of the 

 other, or to create any jealousy in the minds of the 



