THE NOBLE SCIENCE. 289 



not only equalled, but far exceeded, the utmost exhi- 

 bited in those countries where Nature has been most 

 profusely lavish of her gifts. 



Such has been and will be the case ; but it must be 

 the result of that combination of skill and energy which 

 can adapt itself to the peculiar exigencies of a locahty ; 

 thus compensating for deficiencies, and rising superior 

 to obstacles which, to an inferior genius, might have 

 appeared and proved insurmountable. With this view, 

 I have been desirous of laying before my readers the 

 diagram of a kennel and stables, connected with an 

 establishment, which, in all that constitutes perfection 

 in every department, may challenge comparison with 

 any in the world — situated in a county of no greater 

 pretension, as a hunting country, than that of Hamp- 

 shire. It is true that this unpretending shire, or 

 county of Southampton, can boast no fewer than five 

 packs of foxhounds ; a circumstance which redounds 

 highly to the honour of its inhabitants, considering that 

 there is scarcely a quarter which does not abound in 

 difficulties, rather than in the advantages conducive to 

 success. The menage, which I cite as well worthy the 

 notice of every votary of the Science, appertains to one 

 of no less renown as a sportsman than Thomas Asshe- 

 ton Smith, Esq., of Tedworth. It might savour of 

 fulsome adulation to invest any man with imaginary 

 endowments; to claim for him the credit of all that 

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