176 The Hunting Countries of England. 



reach of the hills, foxes soon leave the slender coverts 

 of the vale for the safety of the moorlands ; while the 

 north-west and its fine riverside coverts do little to 

 provide the means of sport — and, as a consequence, 

 the prolonged area of the Hurworth country is no 

 more than equal to its two days a week. 



The little town of Croft, on the North-Eastern Eail- 

 way, between Northallerton and Darlington, stands 

 out as the Melton Mowbray of the north. A choice 

 of four packs, and every temptation to ride to covert 

 five days out of the week, may well entitle it to the 

 name. The Hurworth Kennels are close to its gates ; 

 and the best of the South Durham, of Lord Zetland's, 

 and of the Bedale is close at hand. Witness the pro- 

 gramme — Monday, Lord Zetland, in the neighbour- 

 hood of his own place and kennels. Tuesday, a choice 

 between the Hurworth near at home, in their north 

 country, and Lord Zetland on his Piercebridge side. 

 Wednesday becomes the only difficulty; and every 

 second week this is met by the South Durham being 

 about the Bradbury and Windlestone district. On a 

 Thursday Lord Zetland meets, generally within five 

 miles, in the direction of Clifi", &c. Friday finds not 

 only the South Durham in their nearest and best 

 country, but the Bedale in their Scorton Vale — the 

 pick of their ground ; while on a Saturday the 

 Hurworth go down towards Northallerton and Lord 

 Zetland is on the grassy slopes of Streatlarn and 

 neighbourhood. What more do you want, but plenty 

 of horses — and Melton itself? Croft, again, is set 

 down by many people as having been the Handley 

 Cross of Mr. Surtees' creation : and for proof they 



