32 THE QUORN HUNT, 



ditches are unmistakably blind. The 

 majority of hunting men, according to 

 the usages of modern times, do not put 

 in appearances in person on this the open- 

 ing day. 



The protracted continuation of London 

 enjoyments, and other contingencies, keep 

 many away till a later period than was the 

 custom in olden times; and although many 

 of the elite of Melton are absentees at Kirby 

 Gate on the opening day, there is always a 

 large assemblage at the appointed hour, and 

 the road is usually full of carriages, occupied 

 by those of the fair sex who prefer looking 

 on to participating in the excitement of rid- 

 ing to hounds. An imposing feature on 

 these occasions is the large assemblage of 

 first-class hunters, and in that respect there 

 is no evidence of deterioration from the 

 exhibitions of former days. Indulging in 

 exuberant playfulness, the accompaniment 

 of high condition, they appear to welcome 

 the reunion with unmistakable joyfulness. 

 That this country should rank so highly in 

 the estimation of ridinor men is not at all 



