OXFORDSHIRE 13 



left the country. Mr. John Codrington goes very ^vell, and is not to 

 be beaten. A bit of a brush sometimes takes place between him and 

 a Mr. Evans, and they decided the point last year (1821) in a steeple- 

 chase of four miles over the countrj-, which was done in the extra- 

 ordinary short space of thirteen minutes, and won by the former. 

 Mr. Evans is an old Meltonian, and formerly shewed them the way 

 in Leicestershire on his celebrated grey horse ; but it is said he never 

 went sor well on any other : he has nerve for any fence, but is not a 

 good horseman. Mr. Meyrick is a hard rider, but not a constant 

 attendant. When business is to be done, none of them can beat 

 Mr. Eawlinson : he is acquainted with every gap and weak place in 

 the country, and no man knows better how to ride to hounds. His 

 seat on horseback much resembles that of his brother (Mr. Lindo), 

 as he is represented in the print shops, and on the snuff-boxes, 

 " going a slapping pace." He has not been without his imitators ; 

 but, as yet, they have failed in accomplishing their wished-for 

 object. 



That part of Oxfordshire hunted by Sir Thomas Mostyn is known 

 by the name of the Bicester country. On the western side of it the 

 land is light, resembling the hill part of the county ; but on the 

 Buckinghamshire side, there is a fine grazing district, with good-sized 

 fields, a deep soil, and strong fences — not much unlike the better 

 part of Northamptonshire, and good enough for any hounds. The 

 woodlands are very fine, affording plenty of good foxes, and very 

 accessible to horses, though the rides through them are rather deep 

 and sloughy. Those called "the Clayton Woods," and "the 

 Quarters," are too large to be pleasant, but they are a great 

 acquisition to a country, and invaluable to young hounds, as they are 

 full of foxes, and will stand hunting from the first of August to May 

 day. The country around them is very fine, so that sport is ensured 

 by a good fox flying away from them, or from one who may be found 

 on his amusement, or his travels, at some distance from them. 



In addition to this country. Sir Thomas has a kennel at Chipping 

 Warden, in Northamptonshire, on the road from Banbury to 

 Daventry, six miles from the former, and ten from the latter place, 

 whence he hunts part of that country running up to the Pytchley 

 and the Warwickshire countries. This part of Northamptonshire is 



