276 Hunting Countries of England. 



more sport to be obtained on a Tuesday than on any 

 of the other three days. It is held on the Winchester 

 side, and along the south of the country. The 

 Hambledon men come out on that day, and it is quite 

 the most popular with the hunt itself. The most 

 easterly meets are the Anchor Inn — Ropley, and 

 West-Tisted. From the latter there is a capital line 

 by Merryfield up to Rotherfield, good going, though 

 on plough, and with much nice fencing by the way. 

 Working westward, we have the meets of Bramdean 

 Common, Brookwood Park, Cross-Roads-Beauworth, 

 and Tichborne Park — and plenty of good woods are 

 met with throughout the district. 



Thursday has the worst side of the country allotted, 

 viz., from Basingstoke, Bllisfield and Ropley west- 

 wards, and to the north of Alresford. Large wood- 

 lands over-run a great part of it ; and the open is all 

 wold, with little or nothing for riders to do — though 

 hounds must work busily all the time, and patience is 

 the leading virtue for both the pack and the field. It 

 is quite an open question as to whether small fences, 

 or none at all, are most detrimental to the interests of 

 hounds patiently puzzling over an indifferent scent. 

 A whole field likes to gallop when it can : but only a 

 portion will jump without occasion. These latter, 

 however, are ever finding excuse for indulging their 

 propensities, wherever easy fences are ofi'ered them ; 

 and so are less easily restrained. These, perhaps, are 

 the greater sinners. But on this point we must leave 

 each huntsman to form his own opinion. Let him, 

 however, bear in mind that, until he gains the Happy 

 Hunting-Grounds, he will never have the blissful 



