SEASON 1874-75 67 



Amongst the Empress's suite was Count Botazzi, 

 who had hunted from Melton before, and came for 

 the express purpose of piloting her Majesty ; 

 however, he declined the honour at the last 

 moment, saying that he was indifferently mounted, 

 and did not know the country well, requesting 

 Frank to do so, warning him to mind where 

 he led, for the Empress was sure to follow. The 

 morning's sport was a good one, for after finding 

 in Herring's Gorse, a nice spin resulted by Saltby 

 to Hungerton, where the pack were beaten by 

 scent. With the second fox from Sproxton Gorse 

 they ran hard over the heath -land country to 

 Denton, where they pulled him down after a 

 nice spin of twenty-five minutes. The Empress 

 rode in workmanlike style, being greatly delighted 

 when she saw the fox rolled over and was pre- 

 sented with the brush. After the hunt she re- 

 turned to kennels, inspected all the hounds, ex- 

 pressed a wish to see the hunt horses, gardens, 

 and Castle in fact, did all the sights of Belvoir 

 before realising that she was ready for luncheon after 

 so strong a morning's exertion. As the Duke of 

 Rutland was away from Belvoir, Frank and Mrs. 

 Gillard entertained the Empress and her suite in 

 their parlour. To answer all her questions about 

 the sporting pictures and hunting trophies which 

 adorned the walls was quite a pleasure, and while 

 doing so her host attempted to open a bottle of 

 soda water for his royal guest. Alas, it is never 

 safe to do two things at once ! the result being 

 the cork flew out sooner than was expected, and 



