HUNTING TOURS. 195 



dominions. The foxes hereabouts are of a 

 fine gallant race ; rejoicing in tendencies of 

 the wildest nature, and not having any very 

 extensive woodlands to hold them, they have 

 but one alternative when the polite attentions 

 of the pack alarm them, to fiy for their lives 

 with the utmost precipitancy. It is, never- 

 theless, a very difficult task to kill them, a 

 conclusion at which I arrived on the first day 

 I met these hounds at Eadborne Hall, and my 

 impression was confirmed by Tom Leedham. 

 As there are scarcely any holding coverts, or 

 points for foxes to make, their line of country 

 is not guided by those accustomed instincts 

 which enable observant huntsmen to make 

 advantageous casts. Hounds generally unas- 

 sisted must exert their powers. On the western 

 boundary the North Staffordshire exchange 

 courtesies, and on the eastern tlie county 

 town of Derby intervenes between this and 

 the country hunted by Mr. Musters. Lichfield 

 defines the southern extent, beyond which, 

 and in the direction of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, 

 the Atherstone claims the privilege of hunt- 

 ing ; and proceeding northward lies the 

 Donnington side of the Quorn country. 

 This is good, but not so heavy as the Sudbury 



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