THE PYTCHLEY 



105 



partisans of either, it is/ but just to place them on an 

 equality, or, in kennel phrase, 6 couple ' them together. 

 Whoever has ridden over the grassy plains of North- 

 amptonshire cannot fail to be delighted with the pre- 

 vailing nature of the pasture lands. The fences in both 

 countries are similar, except that those in the Pytchley 

 Hunt are the stronger of the two. Brooks are nearly 

 equivalent. The coverts are in each unexceptionable ; 

 giving the preference to Northamptonshire for wood- 

 lands of inestimable value in the opinion of masters! of 

 hounds. 



Unfortunately the Pytchley country has been destined 

 to change hands very frequently. Prior to 1799 the 

 country was hunted by the late Earl Spencer, but the 

 precise number of seasons his lordship continued I am 

 not in a position to state, but it was certainly as long 

 back as 1779. At the close of the last century and the 

 commencement of the present the justly celebrated Mr. 

 John Warde was hunting it ; he was succeeded by Lord 

 Althorp in 1808 ; and Sir Charles Knightley entered, in 

 conjunction with his lordship, during a few seasons. In 

 1820 Sir Bellingham Graham had the management, but 

 only retained it one season. Mr. Musters also had the 

 hounds, though not long. In 1828 Mr. Osbaldeston 

 made his entree, and hunted the country with unparal- 

 leled success till the spring of 1834, when Mr. Wilkins, 

 of Maeslough, undertook the responsibilities, but, like 

 Sir Bellingham Graham, did not continue more than 

 one season. In 1835 Mr. George Payne had them, with 

 a liberal subscription from his brother-in-law Sir 

 Francis Holyoake Goodricke, who took the principal 

 responsibility after his resignation of the Quorn. 



Lord Chesterfield took the country in 1838, and 

 hunted it in magnificent style about three seasons, 

 attracting a numerous coterie of aristocratic fashion- 

 ables. In 1841 Mr. Smith was also on the list; and, 

 subsequently, Mr. George Payne a second time; 

 indeed the latter gentleman appears to have been 

 ready to lend a helping hand on all occasions when the 



