HUNTS AND THEIR HISTORY 167 



attract visitors from all parts of England that the 

 management of the hunt may become separated 

 from, and even antagonistic to, those who live in 

 the county. Wealthy strangers may obtain a too 

 preponderating voice in its affairs and, trusting too 

 much to the power of money, they may forget that 

 expenditure, however liberal, is one of the least of 

 the sources of strength to hunting. The chase exists 

 on sufferance, and the feeling which prompts men 

 to preserve foxes or to permit the hunt to ride over 

 their land cannot be estimated in money. The right 

 to hunt cannot be purchased, for it is not in the market. 

 When, therefore, a man in the position of Lord Spencer 

 is Master, the conflicting interests are more or less 

 easily conciliated. The hunt is felt to be a county 

 institution and one open to all. There is a pleasure 

 and a pride felt in its existence and its fame, and the 

 guests and their money are welcomed. Thus, apart 

 from a peculiar personal fitness for the mastership, 

 Lord Spencer's three periods of office were of the 

 greatest benefit to the hunt. He was fortunate 

 in his huntsmen too, for Charles Payn was his servant 

 in the first period (1862-64), while in the second 

 period (1874-78) and the third he had the younger 

 Will Goodall. The country was not only well managed 

 but well hunted, and residents and visitors were 

 alike pleased. 



It has been said that Lord Spencer was somewhat 

 too stern in his restraint of his followers. That he 

 was firm in keeping the field in a place where they 

 could do no mischief while the coverts were drawn 

 must be admitted, nor was he slow to reprove those 

 " skirters " who are great offenders in the matter 

 of heading foxes. But the discipline made for sport, 

 and when once hounds were fairly settled on their 



