THE SHIRES. 241 



For those who can appreciate the joys of this style of hunting, 

 and that it has a peculiar charm of its own none who have 

 ever tried it will gainsay, there are few better places to enjoy it 

 in than the Pytchley Woodlands. There is an unfailing supply 

 of foxes, even in the northernmost parts where game is strictly 

 preserved ; the rides are everywhere passable to a stout-limbed 

 nag, and, as is the wont of woodlands, the deep mysteries of scent 



1 Luckily with a liberal supply of gates.' 



rarely trouble much hounds' noses or men's minds. A gallop 

 in the open, too, is no unknown thing. Between the Duke of 

 Buccleuch's woods and Brigstock is a fine piece of grass with 

 some unconscionable fences, but luckily also with a liberal 

 supply of gates. Between the woods round Rockingham and 

 the Welland is again more grass ; while from Cranford Gorse 

 and Finedon Poplars down to the Nene is an open tract of light 

 plough and convenient fences. A man who wishes to enjoy 



Knot too violently the genuine sport could hardly do so better 

 ;han here. And he need not spend too much money on 

 ' 



