DEVON AND SOMERSET. 341 



established, and the matter of compensation to 

 farmers, an affair of growing importance, has 

 been decentrahsed with the best results. 



As time passes it may confidently be pre- 

 dicted that the Barnstaple district will not be 

 satisfied without the establishment of a pack 

 on similar lines to those already carried out 

 with such success. Suitable coverts, and a noble 

 herd of deer in close proximity to the heights 

 of Exmoor, afford such certainty of good sport 

 as can never long be allowed to remain idle. 

 The history of staghunting contains many instances 

 of individual landowners exhibiting animosity to 

 the chase which brings health to some and 

 affluence to others of their neighbours, but 

 public opinion and the welfare of the many 

 have sufficient influence and weight in modern 

 England to ensure the ultimate victory of the 

 will of the many over the prejudices of the few. 

 The time for arbitrary exercise of even the most 

 ordinary rights and privileges is passing fast 

 into the limbo of other long forgotten feudal 

 habits, but old world ways and customs linger 

 still among the hills and fogs of Exmoor, 

 along with the cheery courtesy and pleasant 

 welcome which might better be preserved than 

 some of the rough and ready old-world customs 

 that have prevailed since times before all history. 



The Quantock pack meets with a well- 

 defined boundary in the line of the West 



