Reclaiming Coverts, 87 



produced, from which it appeared that several 

 of the coverts had been lent to adjoining 

 hnnts — the Vine, Sir J. Cope's, Mr. Assheton 

 Smith's, and Mr. Moreton's (afterwards Lord 

 Ducie). It was resolved that the new Master 

 should claim these coverts, in order to show 

 that they belonged to the Craven country. 

 This was not a pleasant task ; but Mr. Smith 

 acted on his instructions, and advertised these 

 <30verts for the meets on the first week of 

 regular hunting. As he had expected, this 

 gave great offence to the Masters who had 

 bunted them before; and when it became 

 known that a fox was killed each day, he 

 received very angry letters on the subject. 

 He replied civilly to them all, stating that the 

 only object was to prove that they belonged 

 to the Craven country; and as that end had 

 now been answered, it was very probable that 

 they would not be hunted much, if at all; 

 only reserving the right to do so if required. 

 This satisfied all but Mr. Assheton Smith, 



