372 The Hunting Countries of England. 



often taken on a byeday ; and as already mentioned, 

 come strongly into play towards the end of the 

 season. 



For these three days a week Colonel Everett keeps 

 a very strong pack in kennel — often beginning the 

 season with about fifty couple. An active, not over- 

 sized hound is aimed at ; and both dogs and bitches 

 can go a great pace, besides being a good-looking, 

 even pack, and having a reputation for smart and 

 steady work. Like almost all western packs, they 

 get much of their blood from the kennels of the Duke 

 of Beaufort and Lord Portsmouth, aided also by Lord 

 Portman, the Blackmoor Vale, the Tedworth, &c. 

 Salisbury Plain forms a splendid schooling ground in 

 the autumn ; for there hounds learn their work in the 

 midst of multiplied riot — hares often getting up 

 round them by the dozen. The fact of their having 

 to find foxes in the open — their game frequently 

 jumping up in their very midst — is of itself very 

 exciting to young hounds; and the sober drudgery 

 of the woodlands must be a wholesome and useful 

 antidote. 



The South and West Wilts field is seldom, if ever, 

 a large one. The vale meets are always well attended, 

 as they bring men over the borders from the Black- 

 moor Vale and Lord Portman's ; and Sherborne in 

 the former country is a strong hunting centre. War- 

 minster would be the readiest point whence to hunt 

 entirely with the South-and-West Wilts. Salisbury 

 too (about two hours and a half from London — 

 Waterloo Station) commands this country besides 

 that of the Tedworth and Lord Radnor. 



