THE QUORN HUNT. 33 



surprising, for it is one in which pace and 

 fencing quaUfications are unequivocally 

 tested. The fences are generally negotiable, 

 yet many of them require energy and reso- 

 lution. The principal timber fences are in 

 the gaps or weak parts of the hedges, and 

 a stranger who rides for one of those places, 

 which at a distance impresses him with the 

 idea that it is a gate which he can open, 

 will find his mistake. There are also 

 double posts and rails, which require ac- 

 complished hunters. Most of the quickset 

 fences are planted on the ground, therefore 

 rotten banks are not often encountered. 

 The ox fences consist of a ditch, quickset 

 hedge, of divers altitude and penetrability, 

 and a flight of posts and rails, which must 

 be cleared at a stride, so that it requires a 

 considerable amount of powder to negotiate 

 them, while water jumpers are indispensable, 

 as brooks are numerous. The Whissendine 

 and the Smite are known to many by re- 

 pute, who are not acquainted with their 

 locality, and are often fathomed by those 

 who seek their pastime in this aristocratic 



