'Nimrod ' 



our first-rate countries ; and, perhaps, equally so to account 

 for such large sums being expended in such pursuits.^ 



Hay and oats, and, consequently, oatmeal, being very 

 much cheaper now than they were during the war-prices, 

 of course these expenses are diminished : but, even at 

 present, we understand that, in the best establishments, 

 very little is left out of four thousand pounds at the end of 

 the year, when all contingent charges are liquidated ; and 

 we have reason to know that several greatly outstrip even 

 this sum, perhaps to the extent of one-half in addition. The 

 late Sir Harry Goodricke had eighty couple of hounds in 

 his kennel and forty-four hunters in his stables ; and we 



1 The following are the items of expenses laid down by Colonel Cooke in 

 his ' Observations on Fox-Hunting,* published a few years since. The calcula- 

 tion supposed a four-times-a-week country ; but it is generally below the 

 mark : — 



Fourteen horses 



Hounds' food for fifty couple 



Firing .... 



Taxes .... 



Two whippers-in and feeder 



Earth-stopping 



Saddlery 



Farriery, shoeing, and medicine 



Young hounds purchased, and expenses at 



Casualties .... 



Huntsman's wages and his horses 



walks 



£700 



275 



50 

 120 



210 



80 



100 



100 



100 



200 



300 



Of course, countries vary much in expense from local circumstances such 

 as the necessity for change of kennels, hounds sleeping out, etc., etc. In 

 those which are called hollow countries, consequently abounding in earths, 

 the expense of earth-stopping is heavy ; and Northamptonshire is of this 

 class. In others, a great part of the foxes are what is termed stub-bred (bred 

 .above ground), which circumstance reduces the amount of this item. 



