418 The Hunting Countries of England. 



like the hound, for the country^ must possess both 

 strength and breeding ; else he will tire in the long 

 days in deep ground, or fail at a pinch, when called 

 upon to gallop and jump under difficulties. The 

 shorter his legs and the stronger his back, the more 

 serviceable is he likely to be. 



From London you may easily see the Oakley for 

 yourself. From St. Pancras (Midland) to Bedford is 

 but little over an hour, and will put you in reach of 

 most of the open country on that side. Bletchley 

 Junction (by L. & N. W.) will do the same for you on 

 the west, while Sharnbrook, some eight miles farther 

 on than Bedford, is the best landing-place for the 

 woods in the upper portion of the country. 



The line of division marking that part hunted by 

 Mr. Arkwright in person and that worked by his 

 confrerej runs at about right angles with the Midland 

 Railway, cutting it at Sharnbrook, reaching to 

 Kimbolton on the one side, and following the River 

 Ouse to Olney on the other. 



Tuesday and Saturday are the days for the wood- 

 lands — of which those in the extreme west, viz., 

 Easton Wood, Yardley Chace, and Horton Wood, are 

 neutral with the Duke of Grafton. These all possess 

 excellent grass rides, that even in mid-winter are 

 scarcely too deep. They hold a capital scent, and are 

 of the greatest value for autumn and spring hunting, 

 but are not now so well stocked with foxes as for- 

 merly. No absolute rule for distribution of days and 

 meets is followed ; but Tuesday is more often in the 

 Harrold district, of which some of the leading fixtures 

 are — Dungee Corner, a very favourite meet, for the 



