The Cheshire and South Cheshire. 383 



wanted for Cliesliire. A short strong-backed animal^ 

 with plenty of breeding, is perbapt the most suitable. 

 Though there is a good deal of work to ■do_, and a 

 horse is constantly galloping and jumping, the fences 

 do not knock him about to the extent that happens in 

 many countries that in themselves are not more trying 

 to cross. And so it comes about that a man does not 

 require an overgrown stud in Cheshire; and will find- 

 a second -horse more of a luxury than an absolute 

 necessary. 



The fields have certainly diminished in strength of 

 late years, with the depression of trade in the adjoin- 

 ing great manufacturing centres and shipping bases ; 

 but still there will often be found a muster of two, or 

 even three, hundred on the most favoured ground; 

 though in the north, again, the numbers frequently 

 dwindle down to some forty horsemen. 



Only members of the Hunt subscribe to the main- 

 tenance of the hounds. But a visitor will probably 

 contribute to the Covert Fund, and receive cards of 

 the meets. These are issued a fortnight in advance 

 (advertising' in the papers having been discontinued) ; 

 and the six days, as set down for the two packs, are 

 })rinted on one card — another point in proof that 

 Cheshire is virtually an undivided Hunt. 



