l86 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



the hounds had been hunted by Mr. Tailby and himself 

 (which then averaged sixteen). In calling this to mind, 

 both Sir Bache and the members of the Hunt must feel 

 well pleased that the wish, which then found utterance, has 

 been duly gratified ; the above high average having been 

 passed eight years ago, and after a quarter-of-a-century, 

 Mr. Fernie still finds himself at the helm, which, it is 

 more than ever sincerely hoped, he may long retain. 



Although my own personal acquaintance with Mr. 

 Fernie is of the slightest, I cannot refrain from adding that 

 whilst obtaining particulars for this volume in the 

 neighbourhood of Keythorpe, I had many proofs of the 

 genuine regard and esteem in which he is held, not only by 

 the hunting fraternity, but by all and sundry. It would be 

 unbecoming to specify particular instances when Mr. 

 Fernie's name has been mentioned to me, often in eloquent 

 and unmeasured terms of gratitude and affection, suffice it 

 to say that by the testimony of the whole country-side he 

 has long anticipated, and given practical effect to, the tenets 

 of the ' personal service ' crusade advocated by the Duke 

 of Devonshire and the members of the Cavendish Club. 



Painting of Thatcher and Hounds. 



This very fine and life-like painting was presented to 

 Mr. Fernie by subscribers to the Hunt, and is amongst his 

 most highly prized possessions — occupying a central 

 position upon the southern wall of the dining-room at Key- 

 thorpe. 



The reproduction of the picture here given is from a 

 photograph kindly supplied to me by Mr. Fernie, and 

 shows the ultra-brilliant huntsman mounted on * Tactitus,' 

 with the favourite hounds Trimbush, Fireman, Ferryman, 

 Daystar, Somerset, and Trueman, grouped around him, 

 Slawston covert and windmill being seen in the distance. 

 The latter ancient landmark, fondly remembered by 

 numerous sportsmen all over the world, was preserved, I am 

 told, when fast falling to decay, through the considerate and 



