228 The Hunting Countries of England. 



imported in certain comparatively small domains ; and 

 tlie original breed of fox-killing keeper still remains in 

 strength. Resident proprietors are few in number ; 

 and only a certain proportion of these are accustomed 

 to pay much attention to the selection and training of 

 the gentlemen who do them the honour of taking over 

 the arrangement of their shooting parties. Those who 

 hunt, or have ever hunted, at home, befriend the 

 master zealously. The farmers, too, are sworn adhe- 

 rents ; walk puppies, hunt as much as the times will 

 allow, and grumble loudly at the supineness of their 

 landlords. But they can do no more. It is only fair 

 to add, however, that shooting has recently grown to 

 be less inimical than formerly — a proof of which is 

 found in the fact that cubhunting can now be carried 

 on in many districts where it used to be absolutely 

 debarred. 



The Kennels are at Fearnall Heath, three miles from 

 Worcester; were built by the country some fifteen 

 years ago ; and are not only very complete, but are 

 admirably situated on ground sloping in almost every 

 direction. Mr. Frederic Ames is now master for the 

 second time ; having taken office again three years ago 

 — previous to which he had held it from 1873 to 1876. 

 Mr. C. Morrell from the Ledbury held it in the 

 interim ; and former masters were Lord Queensberry 

 for one year, Mr. Yernon and Mr. Allsopp jointly for 

 four years, Mr. Yernon for two years, the late Col. 

 Clowe, and Hon. Dudley Ward. The Kennel Book 

 goes back to 1846. Immense pains has been taken by 

 Mr. Ames to put the pack on a thorough footing ; and, 

 in addition to the help always forthcoming from Lord 



