The Royal Buckhounds. 299 



to hunting ; and I shall then hope to have to report 

 a real old-fashioned, clinking good run, worthy of the 

 Royal buckhounds in their best days. 



It was my intention, in accordance with my promise, 

 to have followed — at a respectful distance, of course, 

 — Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress of Austria 

 during a run with the Pytchley, and to have witnessed 

 her skilful performances over the grass, under the 

 able direction of Captain (Bay) Myddleton, who had 

 the especial honour of piloting this Imperial Huntress 

 during her stay in the shires. Wars and rumours 

 of wars have, I am sorry to say, cut short her 

 Majesty^s sejour at Cottesbrook, but I have reason 

 to know that she has thoroughly appreciated and 

 enjoyed the sport which the noble Master, Earl 

 Spencer, has shown during her visit. For this cause 

 I am unable to perform my promise. Eleven first- 

 class horses were provided by Mr. George Cox 

 of Stamford Street for the use of some of the Austrian 

 nobles forming the " suite '^ of her Majesty, several 

 of whom ride very hard and well to hounds, and 

 appear to enjoy the sport thoroughly. 



