THE HAMBLETON HOUNDS. 



79 



Extract from paper dated June 16, 1860 (probably "The 

 Field ") :— 



The sport with the Hambleton does not look so well " on paper " 

 as it deserves to do ; for in that country it is impossible to stop the 

 earths, and a great number of the foxes make their retreat secure in 

 the numerous fissures in the rocks and crags. The country is, with 



SIB CHARLES SLINGSBY. 



the exception of one or two pretty good meets, very severe, being all 

 by the Hambleton Hills. It is fairly supplied with foxes, but they can 

 hardly be said to be abundant. No cubs were killed, and but eight 

 brace of foxes, while of that number run to ground, which were many, 

 no account has been kept. Master, F. Bell, Esq. Huntsman, Thomas 

 Swalwell. 



The Bilsdale do not to this day hunt cubs, except on 

 one of those bye-days which Mr. Jorrocks used to have, or 

 casually when hounds are out at exercise. Eight brace was 

 really not a bad record, for in a rough country of this character 

 the number of foxes killed is no criterion as to the amount of 

 sport enjoyed. Mr. Swarbreck says : — 



I cannot remember or make out when the Hunt ceased to exist. 

 My brother and I have been up at 4 a.m. to ride to Hambleton to meet 

 the pack in an endeavour to kill a May fox. I have myself had some 

 excellent sport, both in the low country and on the hills, and some 

 blank days too. 



