OPENING FIXTURES 285 



saddlery department, or other of the sportsman's 

 requisites, which the last season's campaign had 

 rendered unfit for actual service. 



I am unable to discover the custom which was 

 adopted by the great Mr. Meynell of bidding welcome 

 to the first day of the season, and am therefore led to 

 the conclusion that there was no general rule observed ; 

 but it has been the practice for many years with the 

 Quom Hounds to meet at Kirby Gate on the first 

 Monday in November. It is a glorious sight and worth 

 going a long distance to enjoy, when the best horses, 

 belonging to the best men in the best country in 

 England are in attendance. Can there be a man whose 

 soul is so inanimate as not to be aroused by such a 

 gladsome festival } If there be one in this unhappy 

 condition I would beseech him, as he loves himself, his 

 kindred, and his country, to hie him to the joyful cry. 

 It will dispel his lethargic dreams, elevate his hopes, 

 beguile his cares, and render his temper gracious. At 

 the time when Mr. Corbet hunted Warwickshire it was 

 customary for the members of the club to meet at their 

 head-quarters, Stratford-on-Avon, on the first Monday 

 in November ; and on that day the Lord Willoughby 

 de Broke tendered his hospitalities to a numerous 

 party at dinner. It was an example worthy of imita- 

 tion, and added much grace to the auspicious occasion. 



The hospitable mansion Tidworth House is thrown 

 open by Mr. T. A. Smith on the first regular hunting- 

 day in the respective seasons. To say that it equals 

 Kirby Gate in the exhibition of the equestrian order 

 would be a transgression of the truth, for the sur- 

 rounding country does not contain or require such 

 studs ; but the canine members of this celebrated 

 establishment cannot be excelled, and it is a treat of 

 which every sportsman should avail himself if within 

 reach. Every visitor is welcomed and ushered through 

 the magnificently appointed rooms, where a repast is laid 

 out of everything tempting to the appetite and gratify- 

 ing to the palate. This festival usually takes place on 



