THE HISTORY OF THE BEL VOIR HUNT 



Conqueror and Roderick, by the defunct Rasselas, were 

 faultless. 



" There were a couple and a half of Mr. Drake's bitches in 

 the kennel, and a very nice stamp they were. I hope their 

 expected progenies may prove the prototypes of their dams 

 and sires. 



" ' That hound, Chaser,' observed the huntsman, ' is a de- 

 scendant from Mr. Osbaldeston's celebrated Furrier, and I 

 beg to say, sir, he's no disgrace to his father,' continued he. 



" Appearances unquestionably were in favour of the truth 

 of the declaration. Upon concluding the particular view of 

 the pack, the whole en masse were taken into the cottage- 

 paddock and exhibited to me. 



" After bestowing some observations upon the entire dis- 

 play I had been a spectator of, which at least appeared not 

 to displease the veteran, I accepted an offer to enter his snug 

 domain adjoining and taste his nut-brown ale, with divers 

 other tempting and prepared consolables. Among many 

 trophies of the chase, sporting prints and engravings of the 

 present and late Dukes of Rutland, which adorned the walls 

 and tables, stood a massive silver cup with a fox in dead 

 silver upon the top, hounds and various appropriate devices. 



" Croxton Park was the meet, but the severe frost pre- 

 cluded all hope of any sport. However, as I had sent a 

 hunter there, I determined to accompany the hounds and see 

 the result of the fix. The active master, Lord Forester, was 

 anticipated that morning from London, but the uncongenial 

 weather to my mortification still retained him there. I 

 learned that the Duke (who was also absent) seldom joined 

 his hounds, but his stud is still kept up in all its former 

 excellence. 



" ' We are coming to five days a week,' said Goosey, as I 

 rode by his side towards the Park ; ' and it won't do to hunt 

 the hounds over such ground as this. I beg to say, sir, that 

 we mustn't lame hounds now at this season of the year.' 



" ' Then you'll not throw off? ' 



" ' Why, sir, we'll just hear what the gentlemen say,' he 

 replied. 



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