230 GOOD SPORT 



testimony to the extent to which hunting has become 

 part of the interests of ah classes. 



The day was gleamy with sunshine and passing 

 cloud, a shght north-westerly breeze stirring the 

 bare branches of the plantations which 

 back the Hall, and with good going all 

 the conditions combined to make it an 

 ideal hunting morning. It generally 

 happens that the first order is to go 

 down into the grassy vale to the 

 plantations below the park, which 

 may mean an excursion on to the heath, and 

 the opportunity to let off that superfluous energy, 

 after which horses and riders sober down to 

 take on the serious business of a day's hunting. 

 The sight of such a display of hunters, the pick 

 of the stables of Leicestershire, is alone worth 

 going many miles to see, for, spread out on 

 the undulating galloping ground of the park, it is 

 possible for the eye to take in the magnificent 

 pageant at a glance. As hounds chase a fox from 

 one or other of the home plantations and get him 

 into the open heath country, the hunt goes riding 

 along in battalions, jumping the inviting heath 

 fences twenty abreast, an enjoyable preliminary 

 Leicestershire frolic, quite devoid of fierce com- 

 petition. 



About midday the scene is changed, the hunt 

 turning for the high country to try fresh ground 

 lying south of Buckminster village ; then, when it is 

 realised that Coston covert is the order, the top 

 division from Melton and Grantham are all on the 

 qui vive for an impending struggle, which may mean 

 the best item of a season's sport. The sight of 

 Jack, the fi.rst whipper-in, cantering on leaves no 

 doubt that the historical covert is our destination, 



