32 HISTORY OF THE BRA M HAM MOOR HUNT. 



had adopted, was the only one by which a kennel of 

 foxhounds could be managed with satisfaction to everyone. 

 So he at once followed the lead given him. It was also his 

 good fortune to be very intimate with Mr. Peter Beckford, 

 than whom no one, either before or since, had a greater 

 knowledge of all appertaining to the hunting and manage- 

 ment of a pack of hounds, whether foxhounds or harriers. 

 Mr. Fox, as I have already intimated, was not a hard rider, 

 but as a breeder of hounds he was one of the foremost 

 men of his day, and it is a matter for regret that his 

 hound lists have not been preserved. Fortunately I am 

 able to give a couple of good runs which took place during 

 his mastership, and I would that there were a few more 

 records of similar runs. 



Here is the first one, which took place in 1806. 



' Mr. Lane Fox's hounds,' says the record, ' have had likewise 

 ' good sport throughout the season, but on Saturday they 

 'had one of the most splendid days ever remembered. 

 'Meeting at Red Hall, near Gledhow, they tried all the 

 ' neighbouring coverts without a challenge, when crossing 

 'over Blackmoor to Hell Wood they immediately found. 

 'The fox instantly broke covert, going away in a most 

 ' gallant style over the country. Crossing West Woods 

 ' to the right, over Rigton Hills and the brook in the 

 ' bottom, skirted CoUingham town, and from thence down 

 ' to Keswick Ox Close, where, crossing the river, he passed 

 ' through Mr. Scott's park and pleasure grounds at Wood 

 ' Hall, where he was viewed. Thence ran on direct to 

 ' Stockeld, where, without hanging a moment, he broke 

 ' away over the finest country in the world — Leicestershire 

 ' not excepted — in a direct line for Harrogate. Then 

 ' turning to the left, passed near Spofforth village, and 

 ' running from thence to Kirkby Overblow, went to ground 

 ' in a crag, the whole pack being within a few yards of 

 ' his brush. This run, whether considered for the extent 

 ' of ground reynard went over, the straight line he took, 



