68 The Hunting Countries of England, 



and until lately grass was only to be seen along the 

 base of its valleys. Now, bowever, a good deal has 

 been laid down on the bills. A strong or constant 

 scent is not its cbaracteristic ; and tbe number and 

 propinquity of its coverts add greatly to tbe difficulty 

 of handling foxes. In tbe cubbunting montbs, and 

 in tbe early season, wbile tbe underwood retains its 

 foliage, tbe number of masks brougbt back to kennel 

 is very small, and tbe score for tbe year depends 

 obiefly on bonest success after Cbristmas. On tbe- 

 bills especially is it bard and trying work for bounds 

 and buntsman; and only science and perseverance 

 can ever lead to triumpb. 



Tbe West Kent. Country is situated as follows. It 

 begins at tbe Tbames on tbe nortb — going as near 

 London as civilisation and bricks-and-mortar will 

 allow, and following its course by Greenbitbe,. 

 Gravesend, to tbe moutb of tbe river, to take in 

 tbe promontory known as tbe Hundred of Hoo» 

 Rocbester and Maidstone are on its eastern boundary 

 line, Sevenoaks on its western ; wbile Tunbridge and 

 Tunbridge Wells are witbin its confines on tbe soutb, 

 and it can stretcb as far beyond tbem as it cbooses. 

 Tbe towns mentioned all respectively furnisb tbeir 

 quota wben bounds are near tbem; and a few 

 Londoners come down occasionally. But, tbougb a 

 little more tban an bourns journey from Victoria 

 or Ludgate Hill will set borse and man down at 

 any required station witbin tbe Hunt, tbe West 

 Kent is not a country tbat attracts many visitors 

 from tbe big city. Tbe time-bonoured grounds 

 of tbe Old Surrey and Surrey Union still meet 



