370 The Hunting Countries of England. 



Binall. From Swindon hounds are generally taken 

 to Major Calley^s coverts (Birdrop) . Hannington lias 

 some of the best of the country, with the Hannington 

 Brook running through it; and Highworth and 

 Stanton worthily complete the district for the days 

 mentioned. 



Thursday usually points to the Malmesbury side, 

 and brings many of the Duke's Hunt over the border ; 

 and most of the country hereabouts belongs to Lord 

 Suffolk, who also is a true friend to fox-hunting. 

 Braydon, as above-noted, is the deepest part of the 

 district, and has great woodlands, from which, how- 

 ever, foxes are generally readily forced. Charlton, 

 Bed Lodge, Ravensroost, and Webb^s Wood, are 

 leading meets. Brockhurst is looked upon as almost 

 the best covert in the Hunt — always producing a run, 

 often a clinker; and Oaksey and Crudwell complete 

 the tale of Thursday. 



Saturday is more often for the Alvescot corner, 

 where the Hunt stretches into Oxfordshire with a 

 mixed reach of grass and plough — the Thames Valley 

 towards Bampton being a strong wet lowland. Lech- 

 lade, Alvescot, Southrop, and Fairford are the best 

 known meets ; and Kempsford may be told off for any 

 day at the latter end of the week. 



