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CHAPTER XVI 



The Prince of Wales's visits to Kingsclere — Other visitors to Park 

 House — Lord Russell of Killowen and Sir Henry Hawkins on 

 the Downs with Porter — Sir Henry's fox-terrier 'Jack' — The 

 missing Bishop — Distinct advantages of the Downs as a training 

 ground — The beauty of animated nature on the Downs — A Con- 

 servative rookery — The trainer's troubles — 'The North Pole' — 

 Coursing — Fox-hunting : full-cry after ' Pat ' — ' The Kingsclere 

 Farmers' Meeting' — Never again ! — Gamekeeper and Poacher — 

 A temporary attachment — Demonstrations and Festivities — Lost 

 and found on the Downs. 



His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, during 

 the time his horses were under Porter's care, main- 

 tained the connection which the kings and princes 

 of the reigning family have had for centuries with 

 Kingsclere in a manner which is a pleasant memory 

 at Park House and in the neighbourhood. Com- 

 pared with the short step which his Royal High- 

 ness makes from Sandringham to Newmarket, an 

 excursion from Waterloo to Overton was a journey. 

 But it was easy, expeditious, and exclusive. A 

 hansom from Marlborough House, the 11.15 express 

 from Waterloo station, a fly at Overton, where the 

 train was stopped, a hack waiting at an appointed 

 place, and a canter on to the Downs. That was the 

 usual procedure. The party which ordinarily met or 

 accompanied the Prince was in no instance numerous, 

 and the occasion always private. His Royal High- 



