2 THE BADMINTON HUNT. 



There are persons who regard the 

 "Noble Science" with jealous eyes, but 

 they must be ignorant of realities, and the 

 amenities of rural life. To enlarge their 

 minds, let them take a trip to Badminton, 

 which would afford an acceptable antidote 

 to their unfounded prejudices. 



Taking the route from Tetbury, you 

 pass Weston Birt, the seat of R. S. Hol- 

 ford, Esq., the popular member for East 

 Gloucestershire, where everything is con- 

 ducted after the most approved practices. 

 The peculiarities of the situation gave rise 

 to an ancient rhyme : '' Weston Birt, all 

 water and no dirt." It originated In con- 

 sequence of occasional overflowings in the 

 valley — the water gushing out of the 

 ground at times in many places. The 

 science of draining engineers has, I believe, 

 overcome these freaks of nature. 



Proceeding by way of Didmarton, Wor- 

 cester Lodge Is close at hand, from which 



