THE DUKE AS MASTER 



This letter was evidently written soon after Cooper's ap- 

 pointment, though Lord Forester seldom dates his letters. 



" 6, AuDLEY Square, London, 



''^ June i6th, 

 " Jem, — 



" I should like to know, when you have been out a bit, 

 what cubs you have in the different coverts. I hope there 

 are cubs in Coston Gorse. 



" I trust that you will endeavour by all means in your 

 power to merit the confidence the Duke has placed in you. 

 Few men of your age have such an opportunity as you will 

 now have, and I have myself a confident expectation that 

 with steadiness and good conduct you will fulfil the arduous 

 task before you. The most difficult task will be that of the 

 management and breeding of hounds, which will require all 

 your attention. 



" Wishing you well, 



" I remain, etc., etc., 



" Forester." 



With regard to the next letter, the hound referred to was 

 probably Lord Yarborough's Nathan, from which no less 

 than three couples of puppies were put in 1863, and proved 

 more than useful. 



"Brocklesby Park, 



" November 25///, 1862. 

 "Mr. Cooper,— 



" When Tocock showed me your letter to him the other 

 day asking for a stallion hound, I told him that I could not 

 let any go this season, as I am so very short of hounds, but 

 I was not aware at the time that Mr. Smith had promised 

 you one this season in return for your Lexicon that we 

 had here last season ; so, under the circumstances, I shall 

 be very glad to let you have any stallion you like from my 

 kennel. 



255 



