108 The Hunting Countries of England, 



for sixteen years; and was the first to unite Eadnor- 

 shire and West Hereford as one country. Previous- 

 to this, West Hereford had been altogether unhunted 

 for many years — though the Eadnorshire or "hill 

 country '^ has for the last century either maintained 

 hounds of its own or been visited by the United. 

 For some years previous to the commencement of" 

 Colonel Price's mastership, Captain Bevan had hounds 

 at Presteigne. But, according to an old volume 

 which is held as an authority on local matters, "the 

 first account of the maintenance or keeping of a pack 

 of hounds (consisting of twenty couple) by subscription^ 

 in the town of Kington is dated 1777, when Mr. 

 Robert Whitcombe, a wealthy inhabitant, was treasurer 

 and chief conductor of the hunt. Messrs. Stephens, 

 Thomas King, James King, George Cornwall, M.. 

 Bridges, John Harley, and William Back, the vicar, 

 and others formed the hunting Company. Mr. Whit-- 

 combe was to find a good huntsman, and provide 

 uniform and a suitable horse J' 



Colonel Price has carried the horn himself for the 

 last nine seasons, and with every success. As a bold 

 and exceptionally fine horseman, too, he is known far 

 beyond the precincts of his own country. His hounds 

 are of a small, but sturdy and well shaped, sort; and 

 have a high reputation for work. The blood of The 

 Radnorshire Brewer of years ago is still quoted with 

 satisfaction in the books of more than one neighbour- 

 ing pack. At home his descendants are often mated 

 with the pure Welsh hound — so noted for power of 

 tongue. On the opening day of last season ('82, '83)' 

 the members of the Hunt presented their indefatigable 



