252 HUNTING. 



horseflesh. ' You may,' observes the sagacious ' Brooksby,' ' if 

 you like, keep a good horse for Dingley, Rushton, &c., on the 

 chance of a dive into the outer grass. But for home purposes 

 and general occasion, something stout and short-legged — with 

 a blood head, and heels well protected (if you can hit upon 

 such a combination) — will carry you well enough. An extra 

 ten pounds on fair hack action will not be thrown away — if you 

 would hunt far and late.' 



On the whole, most people who have tried it will agree 

 with the same much travelled authority that the Pytchley is a 

 'superlatively pleasant country,' to ride over. It is less hilly 

 than High Leicestershire, except for the Hemplow Hills, which 

 are indeed most painful eminences to confront after a quick 

 burst ; it abounds both in grass and in foxes ; the fences, though 

 everywhere big, are, save for the few exceptions indicated, not 

 impossible for a good horse and man. Lastly, but very far 

 from leastly, the farmers are with the fox hunters to a man ; 

 many of them riding well themselves, and all staunch pre- 

 servers, 



