242 HUNTING. 



horseflesh. ' You may,' observes the sagacious ' Brooksby,' ' if 

 you like, keep a good horse for Dingley, Rushton, &c., on the 

 chance of a dive into the outer grass. But for home purposes 

 and general occasion, something stout and short-legged with 

 a blood head, and heels well protected (if you can hit upon 

 such a combination) will carry you well enough. An extra 

 ten pounds on fair hack action will not be thrown away if you 

 would hunt far and late.' 



On the whole, most people who have tried it will agree 

 with the same much travelled authority that the Pytchley is a 

 'superlatively pleasant country,' to ride over. It is less hilly 

 than High Leicestershire, except for the Hemplow Hills, which 

 are indeed most painful eminences to confront after a quick 

 burst ; it abounds both in grass and in foxes ; the fences, though 

 everywhere big, are, save for the few exceptions indicated, not 

 impossible for a good horse and man. Lastly, but very far 

 from leastly, the farmers are with the fox hunters to a man ; 

 many of them riding well themselves, and all staunch pre- 

 servers. 



