CHAPTER VII. 



1896—1898. 



Major Henry F. Dent 

 (second mastership). 



Once again the country had to look 

 outside its own border for a Master to succeed 

 Captain Wilson-Todd, and was lucky enough 

 to secure the services of Major Dent, who 

 was then resident at his own place, Mene- 

 thorpe, near Malton. 



Major Dent had always a great fondness 

 for the Bedale country, and it was, I think, 

 with much pleasure that he came once more 

 to preside over our sporting destinies. He 

 was undoubtedly a first-rate person for 

 the position, as he knew all about the business 

 of an M.F.H., was thoroughly conversant 

 with the country, the covert, and land owners, 

 as also the farmers ; was a fine horseman, 

 and devoted to fox-hunting. During the two 

 seasons he kept the hounds, the sport was 

 generally good, and there were some first- 

 rate gallops, of which a few instances will 

 be given. 



1896 — 97. Early in November of this 



