i86i — iSyi. 63 



that the herd was increasing from the spread of the deer 

 into covers which had been long deserted. In 1865 

 Horner had taken the place of Haddon as the main 

 stronghold ; and a stag was found for the first time 

 since Mr. Bisset's mastership in the Cutcombe covers. 

 This gain was, however, counterbalanced by the de- 

 parture of the deer from the Brendon covers, partly, 

 no doubt, owing to the growth of Lynton into a " sum- 

 mer resort " and (hateful term) a *' fashionable watering 

 place." The Quantock hunting also became a regular 

 institution in this year, Mr. Bisset killmg his first stag 

 there on the 29th of August. A new departure, too, 

 was made by beginning to hunt the Horner covers in 

 August. Hitherto they had not been disturbed till 

 September, but now the farmers of the district were 

 complaining of the numbers of the deer, so Sir Thomas 

 Acland's permission was obtained without difficulty to 

 hunt them earlier. From this originated the opening 

 day at Cloutsham, which, except in one or two years, 

 has been a recognised institution ever since. 



In the year 1866 the hinds in Horner began to con- 

 tract (or rather re-contract) their pernicious habit of 

 never leaving the covers ; and it was evident that too 

 much repose had demoralised them for purposes of 

 sport, since not one ran over the Forest for the season. 



