HUNTING TOURS. 1 73 



east to west not exceeding twenty-four miles, 

 and its breadth seventeen. But then it is 

 well stocked with foxes. The Bourton woods 

 are always well tenanted, and the name of 

 Lord Leigh, as the owner of the coverts at 

 Addlestrop, is a sufficient indication that if 

 there were not an abundance of foxes the 

 keepers would no longer hold their appoint- 

 ments. A few years since the well-merited 

 compliment, the presentation of a cup, was 

 conferred on Mr. Pratt for his indefatigable 

 guardianship at Bruern and Tangley. Mr. 

 Waller at Farmington, and Lords Dynevor 

 and Sherborne, whose estates are in proxi- 

 mity, are alike devoted to the welfare of the 

 hunt ; while at Heythrop, since the Earl 

 Shrewsbury has kept the coverts in his own 

 possession, the foxes are carefully protected. 

 Lord Macclesfield's mandates are imperative 

 at Ensham, and equally so are Lord Dillon's 

 at Ditchley. Foxes abound at Blenheim, 

 and the Duke of Marlborough contributes to 

 the funds. Barton was always well stored 

 during the lifetime of Mr. Hall, and his son 

 and successor pays the affectionate tribute 

 to his respected father's memory by following 

 in his footsteps. So likewise the coverts at 



