148 ON THE GRAMPIAN HILLS. 



which of the three celebrated packs I considered thebest. 

 " The Belvoir for beauty, the Cottesmore for quality, 

 and the Quorn for speed/' was my reply ; and I think 

 those who ride with these packs will acknowledge that 

 I am not far out in my judgment. Frank Gillard, the 

 persevering huntsman of the Belvoir, and his whips 

 seemed to be very well mounted, and in good fettle to 

 show sport over the fine country hunted by the Duke of 

 Kutland in the liberal way which he has for so many 

 years pursued, maintaining a noble pack and large 

 establishment for the amusement of others rather than 

 his own enjoyment. The word being given, we trotted 

 off for Burbidge's Cover, meeting many knowing 

 folks on the road, who had saved a mile or two by not 

 going to the "meet." Then the Countess Grey de 

 Wilton, a very well-known and graceful performer 

 over the pastures of Leicestershire, drives up. Then 

 I notice Mr. B. W. Lubbock, well mounted as usual; 

 Mr. Parker, on a very good-looking, well-bred 

 chestnut; Captain Ashton, of Burton Hall, a newly- 

 built mansion and stables, placed in the heart of the 

 country about three miles from Melton ; Captain and 

 Hon. Mrs. Molineux; Mr. and Mrs. Money Wigram; 

 Captain Middleton, on a fine fencer; Mr. and Mrs. 

 Pennington; Mr. Pry or; Mr. Baldock; Captain Elmhirst, 

 pleasant and agreeable as usual ; Mr. Alfred Childs ; 

 Major Longs taffe ; Mr. Algernon Turnor, etc. 



In attendance at the coverside was the veteran 

 and greatly-respected owner, Mr. Burbidge, in a 

 carriage, being no longer to be found in the first 

 flight as in days of yore ; and greatly must the heart 

 of this fine old sportsman have been rejoiced at the 

 first draw of the season of his new covert on the bank 



