HUNTING DIRECTORY. 175 



Difi'erence of Opinion in respect to Blood. 



that, with regard to myself, I ahva) s return home better 

 pleased with an indifferent chase, with death at the end 

 of it, than with the best chase possible if it ends with the 

 loss of the fox." It cannot" be denied that the death of 

 the fox is a satisfactory termination of the chase ; but, 

 on the indispensable necessity of blood to a pack of fox- 

 hounds, all fox-huntei's are not agreed. I am perfectly 

 aware that the opinion expressed by Beckford on the 

 subject of blood is generally entertained; but there has 

 been one exception at least, and that exception entitled 

 to much more than ordinary consideration : — the justly 

 celebrated Mr. Meynell, we are told, "was more indif- 

 ferent about blood than most masters of hounds." His 

 notions on the subject of fox-hunting having appeared 

 through the medium of the press, I will quote them in 

 this place for the benefit of the reader : — 



" Hugo Meynell, Esq. of Quorndon, in the county of 

 Leicester, was, doubtless, the most successful sports- 

 man of his time ; producing the steadiest, wisest, best, 

 and handsomest pack of fox-hovmds in the kingdom. 



" His object in breeding hounds was, to combine 

 strength with beauty, and steadiness with high mettle. 



" His idea of perfection of shape was, short backs, 

 open bosoms, straight legs, and compact feet; as the 

 greatest and first considerations in form. 



"The first qualities he considered were, fine noses 

 and stout runners. 



" In the spring of the year he broke in his hounds at 

 hare, to find out their propensities, which, when at all 

 flagrant, they early manifested, and he drafted them ac- 

 cordinti to their defects. 



