HUNTING TOURS. 253 



the fortunes of either spring- from causes 

 coincident. There is, however, this difference. 

 Kings very rarely abdicate; masters of hounds 

 do so, sadly, too frequently. Since the occu- 

 pation of the Quorn country by Mr. Meynell, 

 whose brilliant career continued for forty- 

 seven years, and terminated with the com- 

 mencement of the present century, no less than 

 fourteen masters of hounds have enjoyed 

 opportunities of displaying their talents, dis- 

 pensing their liberalities, and convincing the 

 huntino- world of the charms and delights that 

 are so happily associated with Leicestershire. 

 Fifteen changes, it must be observed, have 

 taken place, Mr. Osbaldeston having on two 

 separate occasions presided as master, always 

 delighting his friends and followers with his 

 enthusiastic, never-tiring devotion to the good 

 cause. Thus the average term of premiership 

 has scarcely exceeded four seasons; but Lord 

 Stamford nearly doubled that period, and all 

 honour is due to his lordship for the very 

 profuse liberality exercised by him on all 

 occasions when the promotion of sport could 

 be anticipated. It is very remarkable that 

 a country possessing so many agreeable 

 acceptations and delectable attractions, gifted 



