232 THE NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE HOUNDS. 



fond of the chase who have lately been serving their 

 country in South Africa, and who, we may hope, will 

 return now that peace is secured, to take their places as 

 of old in the hunting-field. Mr. Fitzherbert owns some 

 of the largest and best-known coverts in the North Staf- 

 fordshire country, such as Swynnerton Old Park and 

 Harley Thorn, well known for many years as strongholds 

 for foxes. Both these large woodlands are near Treutham, 

 and adjoin the Duke's estate. 



Mr. Fitzherbert-Brockholes, younger brother of Mr. 

 Basil Fitzherbert, was for years an ardent and zealous 

 member of the Hunt, and not only distinguished himself 

 as a thorough sportsman and capital man across country, 

 but for several years he did yeoman service as hon. 

 secretary to the Hunt, and won golden opinions for his 

 courteous and tactful performance of the duties of the 

 office. Moreover, during the season of 1886-87, when the 

 present Duke, then Marquis of Stafford, was away on his 

 tour round the world, Mr. Fitzherbert-Brockholes had to 

 undertake the serious responsibilities of Mastership, and 

 right well did he acquit himself in that capacity, as all old 

 members of the Hunt are fully aware. 



The present writer is under great obligation to Mr. 

 Brockholes for most kind and generous help in the compi- 

 lation of the early history of the North Stafford Hunt, and 

 for giving free access, not only to his hunting diaries and 

 manuscripts, but also for allowing him to embody in the 

 present volume the substance of three excellent articles on 

 the early history of the North Stafford Hounds, which Mr. 

 Brockholes contributed in the year 1891 to the Stafford- 

 shire Advertiser. It was a matter of considerable regret to 

 the members of the Hunt that the long and pleasant con- 

 nection between the late hon. secretary and the Hunt had 

 to be severed when the claims of property carried Mr. 

 Brockholes off to Lancashire, to reside at his own place 

 near Garstung, some years ago. The North Stafford Hunt 

 is decidedly the poorer for the loss of his genial presence in 

 the field. 



