1890] TOAST OF THE EVENING. 185 



except when he met with that unfortunate accident a few weeks since, and 

 from which they all heartily rejoiced to see him so thoroughly recovered. 

 (Applause.) With what success the Warwickshire Hounds had Ix^en exhibited 

 at Peterborougli Show for several years past, and particularly last year, when 

 they took nearly all the prizes that were offered, he need not remind those 

 present. (Applause.) When they called to mind the glorious sport which 

 tlie pack had sliown season after season — and tliis season they had done 

 better than ever, killing as they had very nearly fifty brace of foxes — (hear, 

 hear) — was it any wonder that illustrious foreigners, nol)le lords, gaUant 

 sportsmen, aye, and sportswomen, should come from far and near t(j partake 

 in their enjoyment, and to take part in <i run with what he would venture to 

 call the crack pack in tlie kingdom. (Cheers.) Many and many a time liad 

 they seen them streaming across country, with their noble Master in cloi-e 

 pursuit, and a gallant field of fair women and brave men vieing with each 

 other who should lead the way, leaving those of them who wn-e among the 

 old ones, tlie slow ones, and the tender-heai'ted ones far in the rear, glad of 

 such facilities as nught be ottered by a few friendly gates or a country lane, 

 or waiting for the chance of the cheek that sometimes would take place, to 

 relieve their anxious wondering as to whether they would ever see them again. 

 (Laughter.) It was when such a cheek occurred that the judgment and skill 

 of their noble master was most strikingly displayed. (Hear, hear, and 

 applause.) It was a very pretty sight to see the hounds come by aiul recover 

 their lost line, and oliserve the exercise of what he would call the self-help 

 so wisely taught them by the Master. (Hear, hear.) It was only when this 

 failed that he came to their aid, and by his judgment and knowledge of thi* 

 craft generally succeeded in hitting oft' the line, and eventiuiUy giving a good 

 afcouiit of his fox. He had often thought that human beings, in all classes 

 of life, might learn a lesson in this respect from these hounds, and that was 

 not to look to others for help the moment they got into misfortune, and 

 found themselves a bit oft* the line — (hear, hear) — but to use their, best 

 eiuleavours to recover tlieir lost ground, rememljeriug that, as in the case of 

 tlie hounds, help always came to those who helped themselves. (Hear, hear.) 

 The Chairman went on to speak of the great change that had taken place 

 witli regard to fields since his first recollection of foxhunting, pointing out 

 that years ago it was quite an exceptional occurrence to see a lady in the 

 hunting field, whereas they all knew^ how the fair sex crossed the fields in 

 these days, and how greatly their presence added to the charm of the chase. 

 (Cheers.) He woidd remind them that all Lord Willoughby had done to 

 improve the conditions of the sport in this district had been for their 

 enjoyment — (hear, hear) — and right well had he succeeded, as the recoi'ds of 

 tlie Hunt showed. Many and many a happy day liad they enjoyed with Lord 

 Willoughby and his hounds. (Applause.) What would old Warwickshire 

 be without its hunting-? (Hear, liear.) Biit for this noble spoi-t they would 

 seldom see their friends during the long winter months, and without fox- 

 hunting they would as agriculturists have had very little to cheer them in the 

 trying times they had of late years gone through. Many of them had often 

 realised what good a day's hunting would do for them when tliey felt low- 

 spirited. (A Voice : " No doulit about it," hear, hear, and laughter.) They 

 went home with light liearts, and were able to enjoy a good diniusr, and if 

 only they had some one to listen they rode the run over again — (hear, hear, 

 and applause) — under which circumstances a man experienced to some extent 



