302 STAG-HUNTING RECOLLECTIONS 



But I must get back to England and to Berkshire from my 

 agreeable wanderings across the Channel, and so, as far as 

 these pages are concerned, I will take my leave of the 

 Queen's Hounds, and of Her Majesty's lieges who ride to 

 them. I feel certain that fine runs, a hard-going tireless 

 pack, and — best of all — the old names year after year in the 

 deer-paddock, will continue to do credit to the keenness and 

 experience of the Queen's Huntsman and to the smartness 

 and competence of the whole staff. Nor can I pass by this 

 opportunity of especially thanking the landowners and tenant- 

 farmers of Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, for their unvary- 

 ing generosity and goodwill. I bade them all good-bye with 

 sorrow in the summer of 1895. Now that I have finished 

 this book, in the same month of June, 1897, and within a 

 week of the same day, I wish them all prosperity, not only 

 on my own behalf, but for the sake of my companions, 

 who, in an unbroken succession, have held the office of 

 Master of the Buckhounds from the reign of Edward III. 

 until this great and acceptable year of grace, and thank- 

 fulness, and Jubilee. 



