168 MEMORIES OF THE SHIRES 



man we have idolized as a huntsman, and who has 

 served us for so many years was sitting there 

 before us, his health completely wrecked in showing 

 us sport. Little more than a year ago he was riding 

 as brilliantly as ever, and now, by an unfortunate 

 accident, he is cut off from following the profession 

 that had become part of his life. We acknowledge 

 him to have been a king amongst hunstmen, and 

 now, at this moment, we feel the inadequacy of the 

 tribute we pay. 



" It was a trying moment for all, and all were 

 glad when it was over. The final parting with 

 hounds, and the sympathy expressed by every one 

 were almost too much for Firr in his weak state of 

 health, but by a marvellous effort of will he suc- 

 ceeded in controlling the emotion which he evidently 

 felt." 



Every one had hoped that his health would im- 

 prove, and he would be able to continue as huntsman ; 

 but this was not to be, and it was some time in 

 February that his retirement became an acknow- 

 ledged fact. When this was finally decided, I 

 immediately wrote an article for the Field as some 

 little return, and an appreciation of the eighteen 

 seasons I had hunted with him. Of course I knew 

 nothing from my pen could raise his character as a 

 huntsman in the estimation of those who had been 

 privileged to watch his skill in hunting a fox, but I 

 wanted to draw the attention of old Quornites to 

 the fact that a testimonial was being raised, and to 

 remind them the opportunity had arrived to con- 

 tribute in memory of the sport they had enjoyed. 

 I was therefore bitterly disappointed and annoyed 



