Lord Zetland's. 131 



property of the Duke of Cleveland; and it is in the 

 Durham vale that the largest fields are seen with 

 hounds — though the number even here seldom exceeds 

 fifty or sixty horsemen. As with the Bedale, the 

 resident gentry who hunt are comparatively few — 

 though the farmers are fond of the chase^ and^ even 

 when unable to take part in it, are very liberal in 

 walking puppies for the Hunt. The strongest meets 

 (such as those at Heighington and Piercebridge) are 

 made up by an influx of strangers, either by train 

 from north and south, or from the two neighbouring 

 Hunts, The South Durham and The Hurworth. The 

 little town of Croft, on the border of the latter, is a 

 very favourite and convenient resort. From it hounds 

 can be reached by road six days in the week ; and 

 variety is offered by four packs, viz., The Hurworth, 

 Lord Zetland's, The Bedale, and The South Durham 

 — such choice and such easy distances being attainable 

 nowhere else except at Melton Mowbray. Darlington 

 (on the main line and about five hours from King's 

 Cross or St. Pancras) is another good resting-place, 

 on the junction-point of Lord Zetland's, The Hur- 

 worth, and The South Durham : while Richmond, on 

 the boundary between Lord Zetland's and The Bedale, 

 should be a charming station for the soldiers who are 

 fortunate enough to be quartered at its imposing new 

 Barracks. 



Lord Zetland has owned hounds for six years ; and 

 has now an excellent pack. To Mr. Cradock belongs 

 the credit of founding it — some fifteen years ago : 

 and the materials came chiefly from the kennels of 

 Lord Portsmouth, Lord Henry Bentinck, The Milton, 



K 2 



