The HurwortK 177 



point out that not only is the country round very 

 much of the class we have learned to connect with 

 that typical Hunt, but that Mr. Pigg's famous songs 

 were chiefly culled here. As against this, we read 

 little or nothingf in the annals of Jorrocks to lead one 

 to suppose that foxhunting was to be had with other 

 packs than his own — though, for that matter, it is 

 only fair to conclude from what we read, that Xerxes 

 and Arterxerxes had their work fully cut out for them 

 near home, without being taken afield in search of 

 variety. At any rate. Croft is nowadays a favourite 

 hunting centre, to which the north-countrymen look 

 for change of scene and variety of excellent sport. It 

 is about an hour and a half^s journey from York, two 

 hours from Newcastle, and between five and six hours 

 from London. 



The Hurworth is not a difficult country to cross, 

 though calling for a hunter — and a stout one. The 

 hedges are not laid, but are either trimmed or left 

 ragged — the latter being the more prevalent plan in 

 the north, while in the south the fences are found 

 much lower and the range of vision is consequently 

 more untrammelled. The ditches are deep, often 

 wide, and occasionally double. The ground gets very 

 deep and holding ; and a horse must be short-legged 

 and short-backed to make his way fairly over it. 

 Timber is a rare obstacle ; but water very frequent 

 (though more often in the form of boggy ditches or 

 bottoms than fair brooks). Strength and pluck are 

 therefore very essential attributes. Good breeding is 

 a recognised advantage in every sphere. And, again, 

 few horsemen care to ride behind bad shoulders ; but. 



