36 



THE HUNTING FIELD 



will easily adapt it to a " health," returning one for himself. 

 " Gentleman," said his lordship, " I hardly know how to thank 

 you for this totally uncalled for, and most unmerited mark of 

 your friendship towards me. If, during the dull winter months, 

 the foxhounds have shown you any sport, it has been owing 

 to your individual exertions in having preserved the foxes, in 

 having cut rides, &c., in your covers, with, I trust and hope I 

 may add, the goodwill of the tenantry to boot, that has enabled 

 me to show you sport. To you both I return my hearty 

 thanks. But to you, gentlemen, here present, in particular, I 

 cannot sufficiently express how much I appreciate this kind- 

 ness, and can now only beg you to accept the humble but 

 grateful thanks of an individual whose soul from his cradle has 

 been rivetted to the chase, and who will ever hold fast, until 

 the earth receives him, this distinguished token of your good- 

 will. Gentlemen, I have the honour to drink your good 

 healths, sincerely wishing from my heart, that unanimity, good- 

 fellowship, and foxhunting, may long flourish, in this northern, 

 but most hospitable ' land of cakes.' " 



That's a true sportsman's speech ! Woe with the day that 

 took so good a Master from among us ! 



