HUNTING TOURS. 43 



to any part of the western counties where foxes 

 were reported to be levying contributions 

 on unsecured hen-roosts, for in those days 

 the vulpine race must have been remarkably 

 scarce, and no pack of hounds could find a 

 sufficient number without travelling far and 

 wide in search of them. At that period, 

 when countries were so very extensive, 

 some of the present observances were un- 

 called for; but when foxhunting assumed 

 a greater degree of importance, and packs 

 became more numerous throughout the king- 

 dom, it became necessary for their owners 

 and supporters to introduce rules and regu- 

 lations; thus the limits of countries became 

 defined, and every master of hounds enjoys 

 conventional privileges within the territory 

 over which he reigns. In olden times the 

 vexatious disappointments of blank days were 

 of frequent occurrence, and foxhunters had 

 frequently weary toilsome rides to encounter, 

 in order to obtain the enjoyment of one good 

 run. It is said that foxes were stouter; they 

 were certainly wilder, and long runs compen- 

 sated our forefathers for many hardships it 

 was their pride to boast of. 



Mr. Nicol's name must also be included, 



