200 WITH HOUND AND TERRIER. 



therefore done his best to act In the interests and 

 according to the wishes of all who had so eagerly 

 responded to the opportunity of showing their 

 appreciation of the good sport and the kindly 

 feeling that had been distinguishing marks of their 

 country while Mr Guest had been the Master. 



Mr Dampney then proceeded to ask Mr Guest's 

 acceptance of the offering, and read the following 

 address, which I will give in full, as I am con- 

 vinced that only those who share in our interest in 

 these closing scenes of a long reign, will let them- 

 selves be detained by details that must appear to 

 them wanting in the distinctive colour, which to 

 ourselves appears to be of very attractive hue : — 



Blackmore Vale Hunt, April 26, 1900. 

 To Merthyr Guest, Esq., M.F.H. 



We whose names appear below, being farmers residing 

 within the limits of the Blackmore Vale Hunt, beg most 

 respectfully to thank you for the kindness and consideration 

 you have invariably shown towards us during the sixteen 

 years that you have, at your own expense, so liberally 

 hunted this country. In your kind and generous interest 

 for the good of sport in this Hunt, you have built bridges, 

 made fords, effected and brought about many improvements 

 that will live after you. We believe that never in the 

 history of this Hunt has there been such a good show of 

 foxes, nor ever was the Hunt in such good condition, in all 

 respects, as you have left it, and we feel assured that the 

 last sixteen years will long be remembered as a most 

 pleasant and brilliant period in its history. 



We deeply regret that you have decided to resign the 

 mastership of our highly favoured Vale, where your uniform 

 courtesy and thoughtful regard for us have so endeared you 



