J 8 NOTES FOR IIUNTIXG-MEN 



which one is likely to hunt, and that he will carry 

 you well to the front in nearly all. There are 

 doubtless hot, impetuous brutes which a strong 

 horseman can get on terms with in the large 

 pastures of the Midlands, and which yet would be 

 absolutely unsafe conveyances in a blind, cramped 

 country ; but, generally speaking, it is, I think, 

 an accepted fact, that a horse which will carry 

 a man temperately and well over the Pytchley and 

 Quorn domains will be a good conveyance in any 

 but a few quite exceptional countries. It is a great 

 mistake to imagine, as some do, that in the former 

 a clever horse is not required. It is far from being 

 a case of doing nothing all day but jump big up- 

 standing fences at steeple-chase pace ; and in no 

 country, certainly not in Leicestershire, which is 

 hilly, should anyone who wishes to enjoy his 

 hunting, and let his friends do the same, willingly 

 keep a puller. You will find him the slowest horse 

 you can ride, as, however fast he may be able to 

 gallop, with hounds you will seldom be able to 

 extend him. I am dwelling on this subject 

 because people sometimes recommend you to buy a 

 raking, tearing brute, which they acknowledge is no 

 good to them in the provinces, but which, they say, 

 is 'just the horse for Leicestershire.' I don't 

 know if these good people imagine that Leicester- 

 shire foxes always run up wind for half an hour. 



