The little train climbs laboriously to Singleton, and then descends to Cocking and Midhurst.

By leaving it at Singleton one is quickly in the heart of this vast district of wooded hills, sometimes wholly forested, sometimes, as in West Dean park, curiously studded with circular clumps of trees.
[Sidenote: THE CHARLTON HUNT] The most interesting spot to the east of the line is Charlton, once so famous among sporting men, but now, alas, unknown.

For Charlton was of old a southern Melton Mowbray, the very centre of the aristocratic hunting county.

The Charlton Hunt had two palmy periods: before the Duke of Monmouth's rebellion, and after the accession of William III.
Monmouth and Lord Grey kept two packs, the Master being Squire Roper.
With the fall of Monmouth Roper fled to France, to hunt at Chantilly, but on the accession of William III.

he returned to Sussex, the hounds resumed their old condition, and the Charlton pack became the most famous in the world.