78 MEMORIES OF THE SHIRES 



type of fence that wants a bold and resolute horse 

 to negotiate, with the same qualities in his rider. 



The Cottesmore Saturday on the Melton side was 

 as popular then as it is now, and always attracted 

 a large crowd. For some reason the ladies favoured 

 this day, and you could be certain of seeing them 

 in greater numbers than at any other fixture of the 

 week. Perhaps there may have been a little rivalry 

 between the fair supporters of the three different 

 hunts. Every one on that particular day was bent 

 on getting as close to hounds as they could (men and 

 women alike, but I recall seeing Mr. " Granny " 

 Farquhar frequently at the head of affairs, and 

 sailing over the Melton Brook), He in those days 

 hailed from the Cottesmore side, and though a 

 fairly regular attendant on the Quorn Fridays, was 

 seldom seen with the Belvoir. 



No one enjoyed a ride more, and his beaming 

 smile at the close of a fast burst in which he had 

 participated did one good to see. I don't know 

 that I ever saw anyone get hotter, when the hounds 

 ran, and the man who does not get hot under those 

 circumstances is either not keen, or has something 

 wrong with him. 



Whilst we are talking about the Cottesmore I 

 should mention that Mr. W. Baird was then master 

 and Neal huntsman. A very excellent master he 

 was, and I regret to say that he has died lately. 

 He was very quiet with his field, and for that 

 reason when he did speak his order was immediately 

 obeyed. 



If he saw a gateway to which the over-eager 

 and impetuous crowd were surging with the pack 

 evidently about to throw up in the field beyond. 



