'Nimrod ' 



and runs of longer duration than those of later times were, 

 on an average, the result. Game was not so plentiful as 

 it now is ; consequently foxes had further to travel for 

 their usual provender, which trained them for runs of 

 extraordinary length ; and they were wilder, from the wilder 

 nature of the country in which they were bred. It was, 

 however, reserved to Mr. Meynell to render famous the 

 county of Leicester as a hunting country. He was, doubt- 

 less, the most successful sportsman of his own time, nor 

 has he been surpassed by any who have trodden in his 

 steps ; although it may be admitted he has had his equals 

 in some departments of ' the craft.' It is a great mistake 

 to fancy that a fool will ever make a first-rate figure even 

 in fox-hunting ; and, in truth, this father of the modern 

 chace was anything but a fool. He was a man of strong 

 and vigorous mind, joined with much perseverance, as well 

 as ardour in his favourite pursuit, and brought faculties to 

 bear upon sport, as a science^ which would have distinguished 

 themselves in any walk of life to which he might have 

 applied them. As a breeder of hounds he displayed a 

 perfect judgment : the first qualities he looked for were 

 fine noses and stout running ; a combination of strength 

 with beauty, and steadiness with high mettle. His idea of 

 perfection of shape was summed up in ' short backs, open 

 bosoms, straight legs, and compact feet.' Although he did 

 not hunt his hounds himself, yet he was one of the boldest, 

 as well as most judicious horsemen of his time ; but this 

 was only a minor qualification. His knowledge of hunt- 



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