HUNTING TOURS. 99 



presence. The gay scene at tbe place of 

 meeting is rendered infinitely more animating 

 when parties of the fair sex are in attendance, 

 and equestrianism is an accomplishment now 

 as much in favour as the refined elegancies of 

 the ball-room. 



What a lasting debt of gratitude do the 

 inhabitants of Cheltenham owe to the late 

 noble peer. The name of Berkeley ought to 

 be, and doubtless is, deeply engraven on the 

 hearts of those who possess inherent interests 

 and affections for the welfare of the place. 

 That it would not have arisen from its original 

 insignificance there can be no doubt ; but 

 that it would have risen to its present emi- 

 nence in the same space of time, or possibly 

 for half a century to come, v.ithout the 

 patronage and support of the hte earl, is 

 very doubtful. The arrival of the hounds 

 the alternate months, accompanied by a stud 

 consisting of some sixty or seventy hunters, 

 M'as an event which occasioned considerable 

 eifect and excitement. 



When Sir Maurice Berkeley resigned in the 

 spring of 1858 to the sporting inhabitants of 

 Cheltenham, to those who resorted there for 

 the sake of hunting, to the tradesmen who 



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