COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 25 



the hunting is of a kind which often causes many ills 

 both of mind and body. I shall, however, derive 

 pleasure in thinking that in pursuing the arduous 

 labours of that chase I shall have the good will and 

 good wishes of the members of the Pytchley Hunt.' 



" Major Whyte-Melville proposed ' The Duke of 

 Grafton, the Hon. George Fitzwilliam, W. Tailby, 

 Esq., Robert Arkwright, Esq., and Masters of Fox- 

 hounds in the country,' and alluded to the sacrifices 

 which were made by both landlords and farmers, in 

 order to promote such a noble sport. They were, 

 however, greatly indebted to the Masters of Fox- 

 hounds, whom they made responsible for everything. 

 The noblemen and gentlemen whose health he had 

 proposed had won the respect and affection of all 

 classes, who knew anything about them. The toast 

 was coupled with the name of Captain Arkwright. 



" Captain Arkwright returned thanks, and said 

 he commenced hunting twenty-two years ago under 

 their honoured guest. Captain Thomson." 



Song composed by Tom Firr, and sung by him at 

 the Northampton dinner. Tune, " The Fine Old 

 English Gentleman ". 



I'll sing you a song, a fine new song, 



Made by a mad young pate. 

 Of one of the finest hunters 



Of the present date : 

 To see him o'er a country go, 



At such a slashing rate, 

 And some of his performances 



To you I'll try and state. 



'Tis that slashing horse called " Iris," 

 One of the present date. 



