86 



COVERT-SIDE SKETCnE3. 



I now come to my last argument, thougli by no means tlie 

 least important one, in favour of fox-hunting, which is the good 

 it does to those countries wherein it takes place. A writer in 

 "Baily," June, 18G6, puts the total expense at a three-day-a- 

 week country at lo48Z. 14^ The Earl of Wilton, in "Sports 

 and Pursuits of the English," allows 1190/. for a two-day-a-week 

 pack, 1Q251. for three days a week, and 1936?. for four days a 

 week, with an estimate of 3001. per annum more if a huntsman 

 is kept; and it must be borne in mind that all of these calcula- 

 tions were made some years ago, and probably the estimates 

 would be found below the mark in the present day ; but, 

 even taking it at that, and placing the recognized packs in 

 England at something like one hundred and forty, exclusive of 

 those in Ireland and Scotland, we see what an immense amount 

 of money is put into circulation by the kennels alone. If we 

 also reckon the fields with each at a hundred and fifty, and allow 

 an average of four days a week, which I think will not be found 

 over the mark, it is easy to realize the assertion that the fox 

 causes a million a year to be spent in England ; and there can 

 be no doubt that, wherever a pack of hounds is established, it is 

 a great and substantial benefit to the country — a benefit in 

 which all join, farmers, tradesmen, and labourers, as well in 

 increased prosperity as in healthy recreation and amusement. 

 I cannot conclude my remarks on fox-hunting without alluding 

 to that admirable institution, "The Hunt Servants' Benefit 

 Society," which wiU be a lasting memorial of the kind-hearted- 

 ness and good-nature of many of those ladies and gentlemen 

 who not only take an interest in the chase but in the welfare 

 of a Society which encourages providential habits and relieves 

 the servants in cases of accident, old age, or infirmity. At the 

 same time, bearing in mind what I have just written concerning 

 the numbers who every day during the season go out with 

 hounds, I am bound to confess that the list of subscribers is not 

 nearly so large as it ought to be, and there are a great number 

 who, while enjoying the sport, grudge a trifle for the help of 



