A LUCKY PEER

Colonist, Volume LIi, Issue 12804, 27 May 1910, Page 1

A LUCKY PEER

. Such is the title that lias been bestowed upon the Marquis of Bute, who has, however, been far from well lately (writes "M.A.P."). Although only twenty-eight, he is ono of the richest; men in the'kingdom. His income lias been estimated at over £200,000 a year, and he possesses vast estates, including rich coal mines in Wales. Mount Stuart Castle, his lordship's property .near Bothesav, cost between £600,000 ami £700,000 to Vmld, wliilo tho ' Island of Bute, 20,000 acroa in Wigtownshire, and 40,000 acres in Ayrshire, also bejong to the lucky Aoung marquis. Lord Bute is vevy keen on everything Scotch. He often appears in the Itilt, and keeps a piper to play the good old Scottich airs. Ho is an enthusiastic sportsman, and his love of ope-ii-air life is shared by tho Marchioness, who is a daughter of Sir Henry Bellingham. One of Lord Bute's hobbies is the. cultivation of the vine, , a proceeding m which his late father was also interested. There are two Bute vineyards, one nearjCarcliff, and the other at Swanbridge. "My father made a hobby of growing vines," said Lord Bute some time ago, "and, respecting his wishes, I am going to continue doing so. I take a deep interest in them." Of course, the English climate is not very-favour-able for the vine, but some excellent results have- been obtained on the Bute vineyards, and some of the wine has been declared equal to tho best v French brands.