a chain of chalky hills forming the southern part of Buckinghamshire, the northern part of the county being distinguished by the name of the Vale. The air on these heights is extremely healthful: The soil, though stoney, produces good crops of wheat and barley; and in many places it is covered with thick woods, among which are great quantities of beech.—Chiltern is also applied to the hilly parts of Berkshire, and it is believed has the same meaning in some other counties. Hence the Hundreds lying in those parts are called the Chiltern Hundreds.

CHILTERN Hundreds (Stewards of.) Of the Hundreds into which many of the English counties were divided by King Alfred for the better government, the jurisdiction was originally vested in peculiar courts; but came afterwards to be devolved to the county courts, and so remains at present; excepting with regard to some, as the chilterns, which have been by privilege annexed to the crown. These having still their own courts, a Steward of those courts is appointed by the chancellor of the exchequer, with a salary of £20. and all fees, &c. belonging to the office: And this is deemed an appointment of such profit, as to vacate a seat in parliament.