AN IMPERIAL HUNTRESS, 85 



in such a heavy state, a tolerably satisfactory gallop, 

 amongst whom Lord Kocksavage, Lord Combermere, 

 Major Buckley, Mr. Tollemache, and some other 

 .habitues of the hunt were found enjoying their favourite 

 pastime in spite of the foul weather. 



The snow having ceased for awhile, the Empress 

 sallied forth to Wilkesley cover, but the hounds had 

 found and gone away at a rattling pace, and as the 

 snow once more descended thickly, her majesty bent 

 her steps homewards. This day (Thursday) the 

 Empress is expected to be present at the Hunters' 

 Steeplechases, at Ash, near Whitchurch, having sub- 

 scribed the liberal sum of 200?. towards the stakes. 

 Should the weather be fair, a very large concourse of 

 spectators is expected on the course. 



It is believed that Her Imperial Majesty will honour 

 Mr. and Miss Tollemache with a visit for a few days 

 at Dorfold Hall, in North Cheshire, where an oppor- 

 tunity will be afforded of riding with the Cheshire 

 Hounds, of which Captain Park Yates is the well- 

 known master. This noted pack hunts the district 

 around Northwich, Chester, and Tarporley four days 

 a week, no less than fifty couples of high- class hounds 

 being required to enable Captain Yates to satisfy the 

 requirements of this extensive district. 



Afterwards her majesty, it is stated, will pay a 

 brief visit to Baron Schroder, at The Kookery, near 

 Nantwich. The Empress will also take an opportunity 

 of riding with the North Staffordshire Foxhounds, of 

 which the Marquis of Stafford is master, hunting the 

 district around Stafford, Stoke-upon-Trent, and Crewe. 

 This pack consists of sixty couples of grand hounds 

 .and the district over which they hunt is very wide, 



