HUNTING TOURS. 353 



the Dunchurch side, of the best bit of country 

 in England. 



Next to the delightful ecstacies attendant 

 upon a good run is the ride to covert on a 

 favourable morning, especially in the society of 

 agreeable companions, when every memorable 

 incident connected with the inexplicable 

 phenomenon of scent is introduced, all the 

 probabilities of the day's sport discussed, and 

 the charms of anticipation flow harmoniously 

 and free. Such was my case to the fullest 

 extent as on the last day of February I pro- 

 ceeded to meet the hounds at Bilton Lodge. 

 If a large field of sportsmen had assembled 

 there, how greatly were their numbers aug- 

 mented when we arrived at Hill Morton, some 

 three miles distant, where, as it was known 

 that covert was to be visited, a great portion 

 of the field had mustered, awaiting the arrival 

 of the pack. The Quorn, the Pytchley, the 

 Warwickshire, and the Atherstone had each 

 representatives, in addition to most of the 

 reo-ular attendants on the North Warwick- 

 shire, including Mrs. Colonel Arthur, Mrs. 

 Hanbury, Mrs. George, Mrs. Beach, and 

 other ladies, whose equestrian accomplish- 

 ments with hounds have gained them the 



