HUNTING TOURS. 381 



CHAPTER XIX. 



THE VALE OF WHITE HORSE COUNTRY AND 

 MR. CROOME'S HOUNDS. 



This country originally formed a portion of 

 that which is now denominated the Old Berk- 

 shire, till the good time arrived when a 

 greater abundance of foxes and other facilities 

 for the enjoyment of the "noble science" 

 rendered a division expedient. This took 

 place in 1831, the second year of the late 

 Earl Ducie, then the Hon. Henry Moreton, 

 being master of the hounds, which his lord- 

 ship presided over with great success till 

 1842, when that determined enemy to field 

 sports, the gout, compelled him to seek other 

 amusements. In the hope of restoration 

 to health he lent his hounds to Lord Henry 

 Bentinck, but the fond anticipation terminated 

 in disappointment ; the noble Earl could not 

 regain sufficient strength to contend with the 

 fatigues of the chase and combat with the 



