29G THE NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE HOUNDS. 



North Stafford Hunt, these conditions are admirably 

 fulfilled at the present time, and the connection between 

 the present Master and the Hunt seems likely to continue 

 for many years to come ; * that it will so continue is 

 beyond all doubt the sincere wish of the members of the 

 Hunt. Then, how few packs have the same advantages 

 with regard to kennels and stables and the Hunt estab- 

 lishment right in the centre of the district, in an ideal 

 situation, and entirely free of cost to the Hunt, with a 

 splendid pack of hounds always in tip- top condition, 

 an efficient body of Hunt servants, well mounted and 

 equipped, and the whole thing done in first-class style ! 

 A word ought to be said, too, with reference to the very 

 admirable spirit of the members of the Hunt and the 

 landowners and farmers of the district, A more cordial 

 and loyal body it would be difficult to find in any country, 

 and we are sure the INIaster would be the first to acknow- 

 ledge the obligation he is under to them and the Hunt 

 Committee. Nor is it to be counted as a drawback that 

 the fields are manageable as to size and numbers, to say 

 nothing of the matter of discipline. 



Most hunting men know what a nuisance it is to have 

 four or five hundred horsemen out at a popular meet ; 

 from this crowd the North Stafford Hunt is happily 

 free. Even at the most popular meets on the Woore and 

 Doddington side, the fields never approach within measur- 

 able distance of the numbers just named, and it is not 

 often that the Master has any real difficulty in controlling 

 the ardent spirits who are over-anxious for a start. The 

 wire grievance is certainly a drawback which the North 

 Stafford Hunt, like many others, suffers from more or less 

 acutely ; but it is hoped that the steps taken by the 

 committee and the Master have reduced, and will reduce, 

 this inconvenience and danger to a minimum. 



The inherent capabilities of the North Stafford country 



* Since this was written Ave regret to find that there is likely to be a change 

 next season in the Mastership of the North Staftbrd Hunt. We are sure that 

 this regiet vnW be shared generally by the members of the Hunt. 



