The Ather stone. 161 



too, has plantation growth dotted about in its 

 vicinity — Congerstone Spinnies being those nearest to 

 Gopsall Park (Lord Howe^s seat) . From Harris Bridge 

 is drawn Sibson Wolds, a large gorse, surrounded by 

 a belt of timber. Nearer the Watling Street Road, 

 which is plainly marked across the centre of the 

 country, we come to Linley Park with small coverts 

 round the house. Eed Gate is more often the adver- 

 tised meet : and about here are plenty of foxes, and 

 plenty of small fences and small grass enclosures. 

 Caldecote, the property of Mr. Henry Townshend, is 

 invaluable, though the coverts near it are but small. 

 Years ago there existed Weddington Wood, (some 90 

 acres), which would furnish a whole day^s amusement 

 and employment. But this has long since been 

 levelled and ploughed. 



Wednesday is spent in the north-east, or what is 

 known as the Appleby country. There is more clay in 

 the soil, and more grass grown on it, than in the 

 Monday district : and, as a consequence, the fences are 

 stronger. On the whole, it is a good fair country 

 for hounds ; and, moreover, full care is taken of the 

 foxes. 



Gopsall (Lord Howe^s seat) is generally the first 

 Wednesday meet. There are numerous good coverts 

 round the estate, among them some woods of con- 

 siderable size — e.g. The Racecourse (so called from 

 the long avenue running through it) and High Wood. 

 Just north of Gopsall is Appleby (Mr. G. Moore^s), 

 with some plantations near the house, Birdshill 

 Gorse, and Appleby Gorse. Round here there is 

 good grass and fine scenting ground. Between 



