The Albrighton. 297 



more Park (good holding coverts of about a hundred 

 acres apiece, where foxes are wild and plentiful). It 

 is a matter of tradition that a former Lord Lichfield, 

 when Master of the Atherstone, always kept post- 

 chaises on the road, conveying fresh caught Ranton 

 foxes to be turned down before his hounds next day — 

 and that the cream of his sport was thus obtained. 

 Mr. Burne of Loynton has Blakemoor Pool — in a wild 

 region with wild foxes ; and a travelling fox will 

 often take hounds back thence to his home in North 

 Staffordshire. 



Working eastward towards Cannock Chase we come 

 to Pendeford, now occupied by Mr. Boycott Wight, 

 and Hilton (Mr. Yernon^s), at both of which places 

 foxes are well preserved. The fences in the neigh- 

 bourhood are tolerably strong, though the soil is light. 

 A run across and on to the chase sometimes occurs; 

 but a fox heading Walsall-way is soon among the 

 coalpits. 



Between Wolverhampton and Stourbridge are many 

 coalmines and iron works ; but passing through this 

 district by train, hounds can soon get fairly to work 

 again. At Hagley (Lord Lyttleton's) are several fine 

 coverts, e.g., Hagley Wood, Short Wood, and the 

 Clent Hills ; and some few miles lower down into 

 Worcestershire, we reach the great woodlands of Ran 

 Dans, Chaddesley (Earl of Shrewsbury), and Pepper 

 Wood (Mr. Noel's) — all well preserved. Sir W. 

 Throckmorton, too, has property hereabouts. This 

 neighbourhood is essentially of Worcestershire stamp 

 —wood and stiff plough intermingled, strong foxes, 

 and generally a fair scent. But, approaching Birming- 



