THE BADMINTON HUNT 29 



sibllity of hunting, and the only out-door 

 amusement consisted in the " breaking up " 

 of a huge ox, which was roasted in the park. 

 Several seasons elapsed during which 

 very few Lawn Day gatherings took place, 

 although there had been one or two since 

 that which was intended to celebrate the 

 majority of the Marquis, but ample amends 

 w^ere made on the 8th of February i860. 

 During the week, the Duke and Duchess 

 of Beaufort entertained a party of royal 

 and distinguished visitors, and it was a 

 famous opportunity for resuming the good 

 old custom. Wednesday was fixed upon 

 for the assembled guests to enjoy the im- 

 posing venatic festival. The guests at the 

 house consisted of their Royal Highnesses 

 the Duchess of Cambridge and the Princess 

 Mary, the Duchess Emily of Beaufort, the 

 Ladies Geraldine and Edith Somerset, 

 Lord and Lady Barrington, two Misses 

 Barrington, Lord Royston, Lord Berkeley 



