BeIvVOir Hunt. 85 



an ornamental scroll lying on the table. Sir 

 William Earle Welby, in the names of the 

 gentlemen, farmers, and other members of the 

 hunt, presented the testimonial, and appropri- 

 ately conveyed the sentiments of the subscribers 

 when he described the feelings of respect 

 and esteem with which the Duke of Rutland 

 as master of the magnificent pack of hounds 

 which had so long contributed to the enjoy- 

 ment of his friends was regarded, and added 

 the hearty wish that health and strength 

 might long enable him to enjoy the high 

 position which he so eminently filled. The 

 noble Duke, in an eloquent and powerful 

 speech, during which he was much affected, 

 alluded to the feelings which prompted the 

 testimonial as affording him greater gratifica- 

 tion than the intrinsic value of the magnificent 

 gift. He regarded the hunting field as 

 common ground, on which all are welcome 

 and meet as equals, from peer to the peasant ; 

 he attached high importance to the chase as 

 a national sport, and reminded his hearers 

 of the great commander who loved to get his 

 officers from the ranks of fox hunters. Amidst 

 loud cheers he observed that hounds had 

 been kept at Belvoir for one hundred and 



