212 The Hunting Countries of England, 



of Capt. Johastone^s country irresistibly forces a co.m- 

 parisou with that hunted by Mr. Nicholas Snow and 

 the Stars of the West. As there, too, foxes are 

 plentiful, and in the early autumn generally easily 

 found. But as the litters are dispersed, and foxes get 

 scattered, such a wide choice of shelter is open to them 

 that it is difficult for a huntsman to decide where to 

 draw, and he may often have to go over miles of 

 country in his search. Every sheltered bank furnishes 

 covert ; every little glen is a snuggery, and every 

 square yard of heather is sufficient for a kennel. But, 

 if time and patience are often stretched before a find 

 is obtained, it generally follows that hounds get away 

 close at their fox, and a run is already half- assured. 

 Excellent scenting ground, too, is the moor; and 

 horses are often extended to their utmost to keep 

 hounds in sight. A hard pressed fox will naturally 

 cling to a path if he can find one, and avoid the 

 dragging heather over which of course the longer 

 stride of his pursuers would put him at every dis- 

 advantage. Along a grass-walk hounds must neces- 

 sarily run in almost single file, the leading hounds 

 alone holding the scent, and being answerable that a 

 sharp turn right or left is not overshot. However, 

 they seldom fail to stick to their fox on the wild 

 uplands ; and often account for him quite unassisted. 



The watershed of the country would seem to be but 

 a very short distance from, and parallel to, the sea 

 line. Thus the river Derwent and many of its 

 auxiliaries have their source among the hills at little 

 distance from the sea coast, and then set to work to 

 run directly inland till they eventually join the Ouse. 



