A change has come, very sudden in appearance, though its
approaches have been gradual enough. It is of some social importance, even of historical importance, to get the details clear, to estimate the reality of the fears of the hunting community and the hopes of their enemies. In the first place, • never before has it been found so hard to find masters. The . glamour of the proud initials M.F.H. is flourished in vain before man—and woman. Not less than a score of hunts are as good as masterless, and in very many others the hunt considers itself lucky if it can find a master who will " stay put" for a year or two. Subscriptions, especially from farmers and landowners, have been withdrawn piecemeal ; . and the subscribed sum falls consistently over a series of years. The economics of the hunt are in a bad way in most counties, except the supreme shires." Very rich men will not face . the expense. The " capping " harvest dwindles, and the locality will not supply a sufficient modicum of subscriptions. It seems likely on this account alone that a considerable number of hunts may cease to exist after this season.
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