284 HUNTING TOURS. 



CHAPTER XV. 



THE DUKE OF RUTLAND'S HOUNDS AND 

 COUNTRY. 



Most majestically situated on the summit 

 of a hill, Belvoir Castle stands eminently 

 conspicuous as an object of grandeur and 

 magnificence that may be happily associated 

 with the elevated conceptions of a ducal 

 residence. The stately appearance of the 

 edifice, towering above ancient oaks and 

 other timber trees of venerable growth with 

 which the base is surrounded, conveys to the 

 stranger sentiments of its fitness as the resi- 

 dential seat of a distinguished family, and 

 it is discernible from many parts of the 

 country as far distant as the eye can reach. 

 In the midst of a fine estate, consisting of 

 more than twenty manors, the facilities for 

 enjoying the sports of the field are of the 

 highest order. Foxhunting has for ages held 



