YORKSHIRE 241 



for a pic-nic party of pleasure on a summer's evening than a fixture 

 for fox-hounds ; at all events it had a very provincial appearance. 

 The road to it led through most picturesque scenery, much resembling 

 parts of North Wales. The coverts v^e drew hung over the banks of 

 the Derwent river, which ran over its rocky bed with great rapidity, 

 and our fox sought his safety by crossing it about midway between 

 two bridges. The huntsman, one whipper-in, and one gentleman, 

 were the only three who were so fortunate as to go to the right 

 bridge ; and all the rest of the field had a gallop of some miles 

 on a road for nothing. The hounds ran their fox hard to a 

 covert within four or five miles of York, when he turned back and 

 was lost. 



Friday, the 10th, met Sir Tatton at Castle Howard, the seat of the 

 Earl of Carlisle. Sport here with a pack of fox-hounds is never, I 

 should think, looked for, therefore no disiippointment can arise. 

 However, we had a pleasant morning's ride, and saw the fine 

 domain — the residence of " the blood of all the Howards." We also 

 saw Wigginthorpe, the residence of Mr. Garforth, so well known on 

 the turf as the breeder of the celebrated mare Marcia, and the 

 appearance of his numerous paddocks denoted the nature of his 

 pursuits. I saw nothing of Mr. Garforth, for he is no fox-hunter, 

 and lives rather a secluded life ; but I have the pleasure of being 

 acquainted with his nephew, who generally resided with Lord 

 Middleton in Warwickshire when he hunted that country, and where 

 he (Mr. G.) left a good name behind him. 



The country occupied by Sir Tatton Sykes has been in many 

 hands — having been hunted by the late Lord Carlisle, Mr. Osbalde- 

 ston. Lord Middleton, Mr. Duncombe, now Lord Feversham, 

 Mr. Digby Legard, and then by Sir Mark Sykes (jointly with his 

 brother Sir Tatton) , who had it fifteen years ; and Sir Tatton 

 succeeded to it at his decease. During great part of this time the 

 hounds were hunted by Carter, assisted by his two sons, Tom and 

 Will — the former huntsman, and the latter first whip. Old Carter 

 was a pupil of the renowned Meynell, and also lived with Lord 

 Middleton. He was out at Castle Howard, and I was much pleased 

 with his venerable appearance — his grey locks denoting many years' 

 experience in his profession. I was given to understand, however, 



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