392 SYSTEM OF KENNEL AND 



The vast increase of hunting men in these later 

 days, has, however, rendered the publication of 

 hunting fixtures imperative; and although many 

 large landed proprietors are not foxhunters, more 

 than half their friends and acquaintances are lovers of 

 the chase, and to gratify them parties are made over- 

 night, when the foxhounds are advertised to meet at 

 or near their country seats. An additional impulse 

 has also been given to this popular sport by the pa- 

 tronage of the fair sex. A man may prove sulky 

 and surly to his brother man, where his pursuits 

 differ, who is not proof against the winning smile of 

 woman when pleading the cause of " The Noble 

 Science." The tillers of the soil may be called the only 

 class of men who really do suffer from this sport 

 having become so fashionable ; but, putting aside the 

 love of it inherent in the hearts of all true Britons 

 or half Britons, the increase of hunting studs in 

 every locality must and does increase the value of 

 their hay and corn to a great amount, and conse- 

 quently compensate for any injury done to their 

 crops when in a growing state. Occasionally we do 

 meet with a sulky farmer, who threatens to pitch- 

 fork some of the field if he can catch them ; and we 

 will relate a little ('mcute of this kind which oc- 

 curred lately in the hunting-field. 



The hounds had come to a check on the land of a 

 big burly agriculturist, who assailed one of the hunt 

 with very uncourteous language, threatening him 

 with condign punishment on the spot for thus tres- 

 passing. The assailed, in no wise disconcerted at 

 this furious attack, quietly took out a cigar, and 



