254 THE NOBLE SCIENCE. 



taining to their tenure (taking the " mos pro lege''), were 

 more clearly defined, considering that, notwithstand- 

 ing the apparent simplicity of their adjustment, more 

 disputes have arisen, and more occasion for discord has 

 been allowed to exist, than is altogether consonant with 

 that spirit of harmony which should prevail, and ever 

 be maintained, between two neighbouring Hunts. It 

 appeared that, upon a great controversy which occupied 

 so much of the attention of the sporting world last season, 

 public opinion was very much, almost entirely, on one 

 side, in favour of the retention of country by the party 

 to whom it had been conceded, without reservation ; 

 but upon the " audi alteram partem " principle, and 

 taking into account the quarter from whence the 

 attempt at recovery proceeded, it is only justice to sup- 

 pose, that such claims, however difficult to estabhsh, 

 were founded on the fairest grounds. A similar differ- 

 ence, but of less notoriety, has, since then, occurred in 

 another district. In this case, again, the right, according 

 to the opinion of competent judges, seems to have been 

 easily determined; but if once such questions are agi- 

 tated — if doubts are once admitted within the range of 

 argument, it is no easy matter, " taiitas componere lites" 

 However amicably such disputes may have commenced, 

 bad blood is rapidly engendered, and open rupture too 

 soon succeeds to the coolness occasioned by protracted 

 litigation, which must terminate to the dissatisfaction of 



