HUNTING TOURS. 3S5 



Worcestershire confines, between which, how- 

 ever, there is a strip intervening not hunted 

 at all, where probably foxes are not preserved. 

 In anticipation of a large field, a profuse 

 dejeuner was provided, and Mr. Lilly's hospi- 

 talities were most extensively accepted. Up- 

 wards of two hundred horsemen assembled in 

 the park, a great portion of whom partook of 

 the substantial and recherche fare with which 

 the table was so bountifully supplied. A 

 large concourse of footpeople, also — needle- 

 makers from Redditch — came forth to par- 

 ticipate in the enchanting pleasures of the gay 

 scene. At this distant date we must omit all 

 details of the sport that ensued, and conclude 

 with the remark that the men were well 

 mounted by Mr. Page, of Birmingham, who 

 usually provides them with horses when on 

 this side of the country ; the distance from 

 Leamington being considerable, it is a great 

 saving of Mr. Baker's stud. I was also 

 mounted from his stables, and have ridden 

 many a worse nag. I cannot conclude my 

 remarks on this day's sport without noticing 

 the abominable wire fences which are found 

 on some farms in this part of the country. In 

 many places they are so hidden by the hedges 



