LORD DUCIE 155 



It has been remarked by a very excellent judge that 

 to be perfect a pack should consist of hounds gifted 

 with various accomplishments. This observation is 

 extremely just, providing vices are carefully excluded. 

 There are hounds very clever at finding their foxes 

 which are not very superior in chase ; others good in 

 chase which have not the notion of finding ; some which 

 can pick out a very cold scent which are not famed for 

 speed — qualities which are often hereditary. The 

 happy combination of individuals gifted with different 

 properties constitute an effective pack ; for it is rarely 

 to be found that all the good qualities are centred in 

 one hound ; and if a young beginner can attain what is 

 requisite towards finding and killing his foxes, he must 

 be contented to compromise a little with appearances. 



Lord Ducie's zeal in hunting the country was un- 

 bounded, and unfortunately it was too great for his 

 constitution. Frequently travelling long distances to 

 covert, generally in an open gig, sometimes borrowing 

 a few hours from the night, exposed to the wet, in that 

 state having to encounter the exertion of hunting his 

 own hounds, with a constitutional predisposition to 

 gout, rheumatic disorders ensued, and in the spring of 

 1842 his lordship lent his hounds to Lord Henry 

 Bentinck, in the hope that rest might restore his health 

 — a hope, however, that was unfortunately never realised. 

 Devotedly attached to rural engagements. Lord Ducie 

 turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and con- 

 ferred lasting obligations on the farming community by 

 his excellent judgment and example, till on the 2nd of 

 June, 1853, his lordship departed this life at his seat 

 Tortworth, Gloucestershire, to the infinite regret of the 

 surrounding neighbourhood. 



The second year of Lord Ducie*s hunting the country 

 a considerable alteration was made in the extent of it. 

 In fact it was divided, when a new one was established, 

 and hunted with a subscription by Mr. Parker, but 

 only for one season, when it was taken by Lord Radnor, 

 subsequently by Mr. Moreland, and is now hunted by 



