392 The Hunting Countries of England. 



THE CAMBUIDGESHIHE.* 



A COUNTRY of considerable extent — and all that 

 extent a cold plough flat — is the Cambridgeshire. 

 The summary is not a flattering one. It is true, but 

 imperfect. For there remains to be said^ that, with a 

 cold scent, there is yet plenty of sport to be seen 

 here — and it is a right good school for either hound 

 or horseman. You will scarcely be led to visit the 

 Cambridgeshire country with foxhunting as the 

 immediate magnet; but finding yourself there from 

 whatever cause, you are bound to acknowledge that 

 in making the best of things you reap a reward, and 

 you will hunt on with content if not exactly with 

 enthusiasm. Again, you may make a worse start in 

 your foxhunting life than by graduating from Cam- 

 bridge. The hot blood of youth is under a cooling 

 steadying influence while hounds are picking their 

 way over fallows — quite in contrast with the fevered 

 enthusiasm springing from contact with the grass 

 vales of the Bicester, or the choice pickings of other 

 hunts that surround the sister University. Oxford 

 men are constantly under temptation to ride — as near 



* Vide Stanford's "Hunting Map," Sheet 16, and Hobson's 

 Foxhunting Atlas. 



