366 The Hunting Countries of England. 



area by no means over-extensive, hounds can be out 

 five days a week, afford to kill nearly sixty brace of 

 foxes, and leave a better prospect than ever for the 

 forthcoming season. Mr. Hoare^s agreement with the 

 hunt only extended to three days a week ; but by the 

 help of the Cirencester Woods and the Swindon side, 

 he has been enabled to advertise and hunt five — Mon- 

 day, as market day at the principle town, being the 

 off-day. Even on Mondays his hounds were last 

 season not always at rest ; but, by the Duke of Beau- 

 fortes invitation, were often taken into the Lower 

 Woods in the adjoining country. It is not surprising, 

 then, that sixty-eight couple of hounds are required at 

 the Cirencester Kennels. 



The Vale of White Horse (a title, by the way, that 

 it takes from off its neighbour's ground — the White 

 Horse being cut on the slope of the Old Berkshire's 

 bordering down) is by no means of one class and 

 calibre through length and breadth. Along the north 

 it has wolds and stone walls similar to those of the 

 Heythrop and the Cotswold, is oftentimes cold and 

 discouraging, at other times ravishing, for hounds. 

 After much rain the wolds will carry a burning scent ; 

 while the light soil remains firm and easy, and men 

 can flutter over the walls as fast as they choose to ride. 

 This is favourite ground for Cheltenham and Oxford ; 

 and a capital let-off for the energies of both, when 

 there is a scent. When there is not, the " let-off " 

 might, with a different temperament, fairly be the 

 Master's ; for the temptation of the stonewalls is so 

 irresistible that visitors and natives alike are apt to get 

 out of hand, to the sore discomfiture of hounds and 



