HUNTING TOURS. 247 



lightened me on tliis point when he informed 

 me that every horse had walking exercise 

 throughout the summer; a most judicious 

 practice, the advantages of which are clearly 

 exemplified by the magnificent condition of 

 the stud entrusted to his care. 



The time-honoured custom of meeting at 

 Kirby Gate on the first Monday in November 

 continues to be observed as it has been, with 

 only one or two exceptions, for very many 

 years. The russet tinge of autumn was but 

 just observable on the trees, the hedges were 

 yet green, and the ditches were unmistakably 

 blind. The majority of hunting men had not 

 arrived on this their opening day. 



The Exhibition, the protracted continuation 

 of London enjoyments, and other contingencies, 

 would, in all probability, keep many away 

 till a later period than usual. Lord Wilton 

 was expected as usual to patronise Melton, 

 also Sir J. Johnstone and his brother ; Count 

 Batthyany had arrived, or was daily expected, 

 and so of the Hon. J. G. Calthorpe, Mr. Cra- 

 ven, Mr. Leslie, Mr. Grant, Mr. Gilmore, Mr. 

 Coventry, and Mr. Gasgoine. Lord Gardiner 

 continues his old quarters at the Bell at 

 Leicester, a sufficient guarantee for the excel- 



