CHAPTER III. 



1856-1867 

 The Honourable W. Ernest Duncombe. 



" Railways and fox-hunting, make most people 

 punctual. ' ' — Surtees. 



A successor to Mr. Milbank was found in 

 Mr. Duncombe, who took up his residence 

 at The Leases. 



He started the formation of a new pack 

 by buying the Forfarshire Hounds from Lord 

 Dalhousie, a few from Mr. Milbank, and also 

 got a good draft when Captain Percy Williams 

 sold his Rufford Hounds. As there were no 

 kennels belonging to the Hunt, Mr. Milbank 

 lent him those at Thorp Perrow for two 

 seasons. In 1858 the building of kennels 

 was commenced, the site chosen being on 

 the east side of the Low Street near the field 

 road, which now leads into Scruton village. 

 It was found that the subsoil was unsuitable 

 so the idea was abandoned ; and a lease was 

 taken of Aiskew Grange Farm, which stands 

 due west of The Leases. Some of the build- 

 ings being converted into kennels. 



Mr. Duncombe retained Joe Mason as 

 his Huntsman until the end of the season 



