THE APRIL MONTH AT KETTERING. 179 



of China would be in the frozen region of Kamschatka. 

 The New Forest hounds which used to hunt out the 

 first week in May, now generally close their campaign 

 on or about the 20tli of April ; and I am not aware of 

 any other hunt of the present day which prolongs the 

 season beyond the end of that month, excepting the 

 Pytchley, which remain at their woodland quarters at 

 Brigstock until about the 6th or 7th of May, and 

 sometimes even as late as the 12th. From the nature 

 of the country, there being little or no arable land 

 between the woods, and part of it including Rocking 

 ham Forest, no mischief can be done here at this season 

 of the year any more than at Christmas, and there 

 being plenty of foxes, their sport is always of the very 

 first order. A great part of the woods belong to His 

 Grace the Duke of Buccleuch, who is not only a 

 master of hounds himself in the North, but a good 

 friend to the cause ; and his head keeper, Mr. Fletcher, 

 is, perhaps, the finest old sportsman and the best pre- 

 server of foxes in any district in England. He con- 

 stantly joins the hunt, and no one can forget his 

 animated figure who has seen him when viewing a fox 

 across a riding, and blowing his horn, which he inva- 

 riably carries. Strangers who have passed " the April 

 month" at Kettering for the purpose of enjoying spring- 

 hunting in perfection, have been not more delighted 

 with the excellence of the runs, than astonished, as 

 well they might, at the great destruction of foxes, the 

 hounds being repeatedly seen while crossing to have 

 the half of a fine cub in their mouths ; yet the increase 

 is so great, and such excellent care is taken of them at 

 other times, that when the season again commences, 



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