HUNTING TOURS. 1 77 



signified his intention to confine his hunting 

 to the neighbourhood of Badminton. A few- 

 years previous to the Duke's resignation a 

 portion of the mansion of Heythrop was 

 destroyed by fire ; thus being deprived of a 

 residence, the Duke made the Ranger's Lodge, 

 in Wychwood Forest, his temporary abode 

 during a part of the season after the occur- 

 rence of the disaster, the hounds continuing 

 to occupy the Heythrop kennels. In the 

 November of the year when the noble Duke 

 withdrew the hounds, which for so many 

 years had afforded such magnificent sport, 

 his Grace was called " to that bourne from 

 which no traveller returns," but not without 

 making a lasting impression on the hearts 

 of all who had the good fortune to partici- 

 pate in his innumerable acts of courtesy and 

 kindness. 



It was supposed in those days that the two 

 countries could not individually contain foxes 

 sufficient for two packs of hounds, and much 

 difficulty existed ; but a committee was eventu- 

 ally formed, and the requisite funds raised, the 

 management being vested in Mr. Langston, 

 aided by the powerful influence of Lord 

 Redesdale. A huntsman had to be engaged 



I 5 



