ABSENCE OP HUNTING INTELLIGENCE. 257 



To the several keepers of Windsor and Epping Forests for their fees 

 for deer killed by his Majesty's hounds between the 10th of 

 February, 1721-2, and the 25th of December, 1725, viz., 105 

 stags at 40s. each, 19 hinds at 20s. each, and 23 bucks and 2 

 does at 10s. each, by virtue of a warrant under the royal sign 

 manual dated the 25th of October, 1721— 24H. 10s. 



To Charles Howard for the hire of teams of horses and men, and 

 other expenses in removing stags and hinds from the paddock 

 at Kensington to Swinley-rail walk in Windsor Forest in the 

 year 1725— 57^. (R 33.) 



To Mr. Wm. Lowen for hay for the deer at New Lodge, Windsor 

 Forest, from Midsummer 1713 to Midsummer 1717—219/. 16s. 

 {Treasury Papers Letter Book, vol. xvi., p. 321.) 



Now, as to the sporting element. There are very few 

 allusions to the proceedings of the Royal Buckhounds in the 

 hunting fields to be found in the literary chronicles of those 

 times. As in the past, political troubles militated, indeed we 

 may say " crowded out," intelligence of passing events bearing 

 upon our subject. Hence for the first two seasons following 

 after the accession of George I. hardly a single word transpires 

 upon the hunting of this pack. If the King ever went out with 

 the Buckhounds the circumstance would probably be mentioned 

 in the newspapers at the time, but they are absolutely mute 

 on any such subject. Nevertheless George I. was a fairly 

 good rider to hounds ; but, as we sliall subsequently have 

 occasion to record, he showed a marked predilection for the 

 chase in his native country in preference to that of his new 

 kingdom. During the time that the ministers were carrying 

 their measures in Parliament they had to struggle with the 

 King's impatience to revisit his German dominions. It was 

 in vain that his confidential advisers pointed out to him the 

 unpopularity that must attend, and the dangers that might 

 follow, his departure at such a crisis : their resistance only 

 chafed instead of curbing his Majesty, and at length the 

 ministers let go the bridle. In his absence the Prince of Wales 

 was appointed Guardian of the Realm instead of Regent, an 

 oflSce unknown in England since the days of the Black Prince. 



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