38 THE HUNTING FIELD 



having cut rides, etc., in your covers, with, I trust and 

 hope I may add the goodwill of the tenantry to boot, 

 that has enabled me to show you sport. To you both 

 I return my hearty thanks. But to you, gentlemen, 

 here present, in particular, I cannot sufficiently 

 express how much I appreciate this kindness, and can 

 now only beg you to accept the humble but grateful 

 thanks of an individual whose soul from his cradle 

 has been rivetted to the chase, and who will ever hold 

 fast, until the earth receives him, this distinguished 

 token of your goodwill. Gentlemen, I have the 

 honour to drink your good healths, sincerely wishing 

 from my heart, that unanimity, good-fellowship, and 

 foxhunting, may long flourish, in this northern, but, 

 most hospitable 'land of cakes.'" 



That's a true sportsman's speech ! Woe with the 

 day that took so good a Master from among us ! 



