Hunting 071 the South Downs, 187 



of hounds, in as fine condition as they can possibly 

 be, under his control. I know of no prettier sight 

 than to watch the expressive countenances of these 

 intelligent animals as they rise from their benches at 

 the call of the huntsman, and step out one by one 

 for examination. First to attract my attention is 

 Duchess, by Sir Robert Hervey's Marksman, being-, 

 in my opinion, the exact form I should choose if I 

 were about to establish a pack of harriers; next 

 Dainty, by the same sire ; then Lavender, Laudable, 

 Lucy, Damsel, and True Lass exhibit their perfections ; 

 whilst Playful stands conspicuous as a model hound. 

 One by one they step forth, and I consider that there 

 is not a better pack to be found in the kingdom than 

 the Brighton Harriers, or one that exhibits more care 

 and judgment, and that both master and man de- 

 serve the highest credit. Owing to the limited amount 

 subscribed to these hounds, they only hunt twice a 

 week ; and I cannot but think that the tradesmen of 

 the town are blind to their own interests in not giving 

 a greater amount of support in aid of one of the lead- 

 ing attractions of Brighton, £50 only being subscribed 

 by them. Mr. Catt stands at the head of the sub- 

 scription list for the erection of the new kennels, for 

 the noble sum of £750; Mr. Benett Stanford, for 

 £100; and several other gentlemen for sums of £25. 

 This should be a hint to hotel and stable-keepers, as 

 well as others whose success depends on the visitors 

 to Brighton. The following morning the meet of 

 the Southdown was at Polegate, and they had a 

 clinking good run for fifty-five minutes without a 

 check, pulling down a fine old dog-fox in the open. 

 The pace throughout was severe. On the Friday the 



