94 Tallyho. 



paid to them. Frank Gillard may well be proud of his 

 beauties,, who resemble horses stripped for a race — 

 such is the bloom on their coats^ and their healthy- 

 appearance. The hounds are divided into three packs, 

 the large animals hunting the Vale; and I specially 

 remark three or four couples of youngsters who will 

 maintain the efficiency of the pack in due time, if I 

 mistake not. The kennels are built on an incline, and 

 the place is as sweet and clean as a drawing-room. 

 A room is set apart where his Grace, when he visits 

 the place, sits and reviews the pack, passing judgment 

 on the sagacious creatures as they appear before him 

 at the word of command. It is wonderful to note the 

 intelligent countenances of foxhounds, and I was 

 much struck with their keenness of scent on the occa- 

 sion of my visit to the Barleythorpe Kennels a few 

 days since, for, on entering, I found myself an object 

 of much interest — being surrounded by a number of 

 hounds, who sniffed at and examined me closely. 

 I remembered that I was wearing the same gloves 

 I had on when I took leave of the tame fox at Wans- 

 ford in the morning ; and as a man is known by the 

 company he keeps, being esteemed accordingly, I 

 evidently, from the attention I received, was con- 

 sidered a proper associate for a foxhound. Then I 

 ride home through the park, delighted with the day's 

 sport, reflecting that in no country in the world save 

 England, are noblemen to be found who at a vast 

 expense keep up such magnificent establishments as 

 Belvoir, for the gratification of the public in general, 

 who are permitted to ride and walk about the lovely 

 grounds, and are provided with the means of enjoying 



