48 THE NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE HOUNDS. 



the difficulty of conveying to them in adequate terms his feelbgs of gratitude for 

 their kind reception, and the handsome and straightforn-ard manner in which they 

 and many absent friends came forward to meet his proposition that the sub- 

 scription to the Hunt should be made up to what he considered an adequate sum. 

 As he had stated in a correspondence he had had with his friend Mr. Wood, he 

 did not require any other acknowledgment from the Hunt and the county than 

 that response ; but he was glad of that opportunity of telling them face to face 

 how deeply grateful he felt to them for the straightforward and honourable 

 manner in which his proposals were met. (Applause.) They must all con- 

 gratulate themselves on their future prospects, and in connection with the past 

 season there were very many pleasant and agreeable recollections, despite the 

 fact that it was one of the worst seasons he ever remembered as far as the 

 weather was concerned, the frost having interfered with their sport on no less 

 than eighteen or twenty occasions. He trusted they would have a more open 

 season next year. He saw many gentlemen there who had bought horses because 

 they believed the hunt was to be carried on in a proper manner. (Hear, hear !) 

 In addition to the enjoyment in the field, the sport gave them the opportunity of 

 making each other's acquaintance. He believed there was hardly a gentleman 

 round that table whom he had not the privilege of addressing by name — 

 (applause) — and he certainly thought it a very great advantage that men of 

 various classes and opinions should meet together on common ground to enjoy a 

 national sport. (Hear, hear !) He had thought it a duty and a pleasure to come 

 forward and do all in his power to support the old-established pack, and he deemed 

 himself ver\' fortunate in having been enabled by the position he was placed in 

 to follow, though at a great distance, in the footsteps of so fine and generous an 

 old sportsman as the late Mr. Davenport. (Applause.) He was glad that they 

 would have with them next year his son, Mr. Henry Davenport, than whom there 

 was no finer sportsman or finer rider, or one who more thoroughly enjoj'ed a run 

 with the North Staffordshire Hounds. (Hear, hear !) No son could help feeling 

 pain at seeing an old-estabhshed Hunt go from the place of his own home to 

 start on other ground, but Mr< Henry had now joined them in the most cordial 

 manner. (Applause.) Their prospects on all sides were blooming. Having 

 thanked the gentlemen connected with the neighbouring packs of hounds — 

 especially the Albrighton — for their great courtesy and kindness, and expressed 

 his belief that if at any time the appearance of diSerence arose, a little " give and 

 take " would make matters pleasant, the noble earl went on to express the 

 obligations they were under to his friend, Captain Nugent — (loud applause) — for 

 the wonderful way he had managed to keep them in order. They had had 

 excellent sport, and for that they were in a great measure indebted to Captain 

 Nugent, of whose courteous behaviour and able management he could not 

 speak too highly. (Applause.) Amid renewed applause his lordship thanked 

 the neighbouring landowners and occupiers for the kindness and courtesy which 

 they always showed to the Hunt, and mentioned the Duke of Sutherland, the 

 Chairman (Mr. J. W. Philips), and Mr. Buller, as among those to whom they 

 were especially indebted. For such kindness they could not be sufficiently 

 thankful, for although they might have the best pack in the country, the finest 

 horses, and the best management, a hunt would have very little success without 

 the co-operation of the neighbouring landowners and occupiers. He must, in the 

 name of the Hunt, express their sense of obligation for the courtesy they always 

 received, and the great hospitality extended towards them, (Loud applause.) 

 In conclusion, his lordship said he was glad to tell them that the hounds were 

 weL, and the horses were well, and he hoped would he better. Captain Nugent 



