2 The Fourth Duke of Grafton. 



very famous for hunters, and in the early part 

 of the century gentlemen and dealers flocked 

 to it from all parts. Breeding had become so 

 general that a good supply was kept up for a 

 time, but the demand was so great, and such good 

 prices were given, that the breeders made a great 

 mistake ; they were tempted by the high prices, 

 and sold the mares which had bred the stock. 



Pioneer was a sire of great fame ; the horses 

 from him were wonderful hunters, but bad hacks. 

 The mares were exceedingly good. The farmers 

 could not resist the pecuniary temptation, ;^i5o 

 and ;^200 apiece was freely given. The Duke 

 was a great buyer himself, and recommended 

 many to his friends. A letter written by the 

 Duke in 1830, to one of his tenants, the original 

 of which is in my possession, shows clearly how 

 agreeably his Grace did business : — 



The Duke of Grafton's compliments to Mr. Elliott, and has 

 ridden his mare quite enough to satisfy him that she is worth 

 his buying, on account of the ease of her motion and knowledge 

 of her business. 



As Lord James (who has gone hunting to-day) told the 

 Duke of Grafton that the price of the mare was 150 guineas, 

 he has taken her at that price, considering her to be perfectly 

 sound as she seems to be. 



Mr. Roper will have directions to pay Mr. Elliott for the 

 mare when he meets him at Towcester on Tuesday next, or 

 the Duke of Grafton can send a draught by the post to-morrow. 



