12 Random Rkcoi.i,kctions of the 



CHAPTER III. 



Breeding of Hunters in the Belvoir 

 Country. Steeple-chasing. 



The breed of litinters was by no means 

 ■neglected in these times, a number of the 

 large farmers generally having one or two 

 brood mares, which had frequently been 

 relegated from the studs of gentlemen on 

 account of accident, and for which their owners 

 had in the first instance paid high prices. 

 These were nearly always good looking, well 

 proportioned animals, mated with thorough- 

 bred horses, so that it was not surprising 

 that the produce should have been sought 

 after by noblemen, gentlemen, and dealers 

 both from town and country. There were 

 periodical shows for hunters held in the 

 historical paddocks at Croxton Park, liberally 



