1825.] OF HAMPSHIRE. 49 



the amusement of that noble diversion, fox- 

 hunting, as there was at that time no established 

 pack of fox-hounds convenient to the gentle- 

 men resident in that neighbourhood, to enable 

 them to partake of that noble diversion." 



It states, that proposals were submitted to 

 the consideration of such gentlemen " as were 

 desirous of becoming members of a hunting 

 club, to be established and maintained in a 

 sporting-like manner." Mr. T. Butler 

 of Bury Lodge engaged " to collect ler r ' of ' Bu ^~ 

 a pack of fox-hounds, which should Lod f e the 



J- " master. 



consist of not more than thirty 

 couple, nor less than twenty couple, to pro- 

 vide for their maintenance and every expense 

 at his own cost, with also a kennel, and such 

 persons as he might think necessary to their 

 management." It was further agreed " that 

 the Hunt should consist of as many gentlemen 

 as should choose to become subscribers by the 

 first day of meeting, and should pay the an- 

 nual sum of ten guineas to Mr. Butler ; 

 that the hounds should go out five times 

 in a fortnight, or oftener, if agreeable to Mr. 

 Butler and the weather permitted ; and no 

 weather should stop the hounds from going 

 to the meet unless the snow should be one 

 foot deep at the kennel door." And further, 



E 



