MR. FORT, M.RH. 199 



Mr. Hamar Bass. No better selection could have been 

 made, for the Deputy-Master was not only popular with 

 all classes, but he was able, from the place which he always 

 held when hounds were running, to turn round and face 

 his field, if they pressed hounds unduly, which is the only 

 way to control them. Does not Mr. Bromley-Devonport 

 say — 



"Jn the distance I hear the Master's vain chiding, 

 As vain as the Norseman's reproof to the sea"? 



Besides, even in his so-to-speak ''lay" days, he knew 

 every hound in the pack, while he was, heart and soul, 

 devoted to the sport. The latter rose, phoenix-like, from 

 its ashes, and two capital seasons ensued, including the 

 historical run on January 29th, 1894, up into the hills 

 near Winster, and the two or three excellent ones in the 

 same direction in the following year. His courtesy towards 

 landowners, covert owners, and farmers was in every one's 

 mouth, while his manner in the field left nothing to be 

 desired. Unfortunately, at the end of the season 1896- 

 1897 he resigned, to every one's regret, and retired into 

 private life. Not for long, however, for, in February, 1898, 

 he was elected Master in the place of Mr. Hamar Bass, who 

 resigned. From that day to this he has been at the head 

 of affairs, and no one has worked harder to fill a position 

 which is by no means a bed of roses. In spite of a spell 

 of bad luck, which would have damped many a man's 

 ardour, he has stuck to his post, leaving no stone unturned 

 to keep sport with the Meynell up to its old high standard. 

 From a combination of circumstances, which no one could 

 control, it has not been brilliant for the last two or three 

 seasons, but these " slumps " will occur from time to time 

 with all packs of hounds. As poor old Charles was so fond 

 of saying, " It has happened before ; " but at the present 

 time the silver lining on the cloud is broadening, and there 

 is every prospect of a blaze of the sunshine of prosperity. 



Among other excellent ideas, which the Master has put 

 into execution, is the Annual Puppy Show Luncheon, which 

 has proved such a success, and at which he so hospitably 



