HUNTING DIRECTORY. 31 



The Quorndon Kennel. 



" In the summer when you do not hunt, one kennel 

 will be sufficient ; the other then may be for the youug 

 hounds, who should also have the grass-court adjoining 

 to it. It is best at that time of the year to keep them 

 separate, and it prevents many accidents which otherwise 

 might happen ; nor should they be put together till the 

 hunting season begins. If your hounds are very quarrel- 

 some, the feeder may sleep in a cot, in the kennel adjoin- 

 ing ; and if they are well chastised at the first quarrel, 

 his voice will be sufficient to settle all their differences 

 afterwards. Close to the door of the kennel, let there 

 be always a quantity of little switches ; which three narrow 

 boards, nailed to one of the posts, will easily contain. 



" My kennel is close to the road-side, but it was un- 

 avoidable. This is the reason why my front pale is close, 

 and only the side ones open ; it is a great fault : avoid it 

 if you can, and your hounds will be the quieter." 



Beckford's remarks are evidently characterized by 

 good sense, and no doubt can be entertained that his 

 knowledge on the subject was not only extensive, but 

 even accurate, to speak by comparison ; yet, as the human 

 genius is continually at work, so the kennel may be said 

 to have shared the benefits arising from its labours. 

 Improvements have unquestionably been made upon the 

 plan of Mr. Beckford. The kennel of the first fox- 

 hunting establishment in the world (the Quorndon, at 

 present under the direction of Mr. Osbaldeston) is suffi- 

 ciently extensive to accommodate about one hundred 

 couple of hounds. It consists of two very spacious grass 

 courts, without either mount or brook, with several lodg- 

 ing-rooms, (four, if my memory be correct) some of which 



