302 CENTURY OF ENGLISH FOX-HUNTING 



fortune to take part in pig-sticking in comparison 

 to the numbers who have followed hounds. The 

 officer who leads his men into an ambuscade is the 

 man who will probably head the fox in an English 

 hunting-field. 



But in spite of the recommendation of the Duke 

 of Wellington and the consequent exemption of 

 the Yeomanry from disbandment, it was not till 

 1859 ^^3-^ ^^^ Yeomanry were recognised as an 

 important auxiliary force, although Lord Brougham 

 had characterised the force as a national defence. 

 The Yeomanry had been tolerated by the military 

 authorities, but had not received any encouragement. 

 On May 12th, 1859, however, a circular letter was 

 issued authorising the Lord-Lieutenants of counties 

 to form Yeomanry corps. This notice I will quote 



m extenso. 



"War Office, Pall Mall, 



''May i2fh, 1859. 



" Her Majesty's Government having had under con- 

 sideration the propriety of permitting the formation of 

 volunteer rifle corps under the provisions of the Act of 

 44 George III. cap. 54, as well as of artillery corps and 

 companies in maritime towns in which there may be forts 

 and batteries, I have the honour to inform you that I shall 

 be prepared to receive through you and consider any pro- 

 posal with that object which may emanate from the county 

 under your charge. 



"The principal and most important provisions of the 

 Act are : — 



"That the corps be formed under officers bearing the 

 commission of the Lieutenant of the county. 



