LORD DUCIE 59 



essential to the perfection of animal structure. I know 

 no huntsman of his time more quick (through his glass, 

 being very shortsighted) to detect, almost at a glance, 

 any imperfections of shape ; and in the field no man 

 knew better what the fox-hound ought to do. He was 

 a quiet, steady, though resolute rider, a superior horse- 

 man, and first-rate huntsman ; patient with his hounds 

 in difficulties, and quick with them in chase, when things 

 went well. That he was sometimes hasty with those 

 who interrupted his sport, I arn free to admit, as all 

 huntsmen of sanguine temperament are ; and few, 

 indeed, can endure this trial without exhibiting some 

 ebullition of temper ; but I know no man who felt 

 more annoyed afterwards at being betrayed into the 

 expression of severe reprimands to those who had 

 incurred his displeasure than the late Lord Ducie, and 

 in private life none could be more estimable. He was an 

 excellent husband, kind father, and a true and staunch 

 friend. Of noble and generous feelings, and liberal in 

 its true acceptation. 



I could adduce many instances of his expansive 

 generosity, but will select one or two only, as we are 

 treating of hunting matters connected therewith, char- 

 acteristic of his general disposition. With other Masters 

 I attended a sale of fox-hounds, when the pack was to 

 be first put up in one lot, and if not thus sold, then to 

 be disposed of in smaller lots. Lord Ducie was present, 

 intending to purchase the whole. There was also another 

 Master, sadly in want of hounds to begin hunting a 

 country he had just taken. This gentleman felt greatly 

 disappointed when hearing he was to encounter such a 

 formidable competitor as Lord Ducie, knowing, from 

 his lack of means, it was useless for him to bid against 



