184 The Hunting Countries of England. 



its military contingent^ and some portion of the fleet, 

 and being of itself a place of considerable size, does a 

 great deal to swell tbe field when hounds are in the 

 neighbourhood. If, however, a man would restrict 

 himself mainly to the Cattistock, he would in all 

 probability fix upon Maiden Newton as his hunting 

 centre. 



It should be noted that Mr. Radclyfi'e has always 

 shown himself the truest of friends and best of 

 neighbours to the Cattistock Hunt. It is to him they 

 owe the permission they enjoy to draw the Wootton 

 Glanville corner of the Vale of Blackmoor. Though 

 now upwards of seventy years ^^of age, and unable to 

 take any share in the chase beyond driving to an 

 occasional meet, he still maintains his pack and 

 establishment for the amusement of others on a scale 

 as liberal and efficient as ever.* 



It has always been found more convenient to 

 arrange the Cattistock meets according to passing 

 requirement and convenience than upon any fixed 

 principle of allotting certain districts to certain days. 

 In giving some few of the chief meets and draws, it 

 may be as well to note the class of ground on which 

 they severally fall. To commence with, there is what 

 is known as the Somerset vale on the north-west — stiff 

 deep and open lowland, strongly fenced with banks 

 and doubles, and seldom a gap to be seen. The 

 coverts are woods of considerable strength, and the 



* Since the above was written this fine old sportsman has 

 been gathered to his forefathers. His youngest son has suc- 

 ceeded him in the Mastership. 



