The Worcestershire. 229 



Coventry's beautiful pack^ he has spared no expense in 

 procuring the assistance of such kennels as the Belvoir, 

 Milton, &c. 



The Severn often presents an awkward drawback in 

 the run ; for foxes will swim it readily, choosing their 

 place by no means necessarily in accordance with the 

 distribution of the bridges. And, as there is only one 

 bridge existing between Worcester and Stourport, to 

 wit at Holt, it will readily be conceived that the river 

 may frequently be a source of considerable inconve- 

 nience. For instance, foxes will often cross from 

 Bishop's Wood to Shrawley — though an intelligent 

 keeper has devised and practised the idea of posting a 

 bevy of school children in skirmishing order on the 

 opposite bank when the former covert is drawn. 

 Bishop's Wood, taken sometimes on a Wednesday, 

 sometimes on a Friday, is one of the nicest coverts in 

 the Hunt, and is the especial care of Mr. Wheeler, who 

 holds its interests intact against all surrounding in- 

 fluences — among which the recent prevalence of trap- 

 ping constitutes a too prominent evil. 



Monday, Wednesday, and Friday being the days of 

 hunting — Monday is given to the south-east of the 

 country, from Worcester to about Grafton Wood. 

 The latter covert and Bow Wood are neutral with The 

 Croome. This district includes the coverts of Round 

 Hill, Goosehill, Broughton Wood (the two last belong- 

 ing to Mr. Bearcroft, who is a very staunch supporter) 

 and Hanbury (Hanbury Hall being- the residence of 

 Mr. Vernon, one of the mainstays of the hunt). 

 Hanbury Forest, it may be mentioned, at one time 

 stretched the whole way from Droitwich to Bristol. 



VOL. II. R 



