Frank Beers' Diaries. i6i 



This is the last run that will be recorded of the 

 Grafton Hounds under the Duke's reign. 



It was now announced that the Duke of 

 Grafton had decided to retire from the master- 

 ship, after hunting the country for twenty years in 

 the most liberal manner. The announcement was 

 received with great regret, and was quite unlooked 

 for in any quarter. During the whole time his 

 Grace had had the staunchest support from all 

 landowners and farmers in the hunt. It had 

 always been the Duke's study to do what lay in 

 his power to help the farmers, and his Grace was 

 a good customer for a hunter in his own hunt. 

 Some of the best horses in the stud were bought 

 of the farmers. 



At the end of the season, the Duke called a 

 meeting at Towcester, for the purpose of stating 

 his reason for giving up, which was failing health. 



'' But remember,^' he said, '' I am going to do 

 all I can to help you after I retire." 



A testimonial in the shape of a portrait was 

 offered, but the Duke smilingly said : " I am in 

 too delicate a state of health to undergo the trial 

 of sitting, and I shall be quite satisfied with the 

 continuance of the friendship I have enjoyed for 

 so long." 



The Grafton farmers had a great respect for the 



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