74 Random RkcoIvLECTions of the 



agriculturists only. This at first did not find 

 favour witli the latter, but on looking at the 

 matter in a broader light, they felt that 

 it would be a source of regret if the 

 scheme should be in any way restricted or 

 prevented from reaching its fullest magnitude, 

 that universal expressions of approval could 

 not be disregarded, and the point was conceded. 

 Whilst matters were in a preliminary stage 

 invitations were issued by Earl Brownlow to 

 gentlemen, farmers, and others interested in 

 the hunt, requesting their attendance at a 

 meeting to be held at Belton House, on 

 Tuesday, the 22nd February, 1876. This 

 invitation was eagerly responded to, and by 

 the time appointed for hounds meeting on the 

 lawn, the scene presented a gay and animated 

 .appearance. 



Assembled in the library were most of the 

 leading gentry and farmers of the hunt, the 

 gay scarlet and sober black offering a by no 

 means unpleasing contrast. 



A glance round the room revealed the 

 presence of veterans upon whom the impress 

 'Of winter sat lightly, and there were some of 



