242 NIMROD'S HUNTING TOUR 



he was not without his pecuHarities and prejudices, one of which 

 was, he never carried a hunting horn. 



Previous to last year. Sir Tattoa Sykes resided at Westow, about 

 four miles from Whitfield, where he occupied a large farm, and 

 where he had his paddocks for breeding race-horses. He is now 

 removed to the family mansion at Sledmere (no great distance from 

 Malton) ; but the kennel is where it always has been — at Eddles- 

 thorpe, not far from Westow. Sledmere is fifteen miles from the 

 kennel ; but Sir Tatton, on his thorough-bred hacks, thinks nothing 

 of this, and very frequently rides thither before the hounds leave it 

 on hunting mornings. His hounds hunted four days a- week the 

 season before last, but only three last. He has no subscription. 



Sir Tatton Sykes comes under the denomination of what is called 

 " a character ; " and one of his chief characteristics is to be found 

 ip his passion for riding a race, his method of travelling across a 

 country, the plainness of his dress, and the outward humility of his 

 demeanour towards all ranks. 



A poet calls HumiHty " that low sweet root from which all 



heavenly virtues shoot;" but in my opinion, it is not always free 



from suspicion. 



" There are some that use 

 Humility to serve their pride, and seem 

 Humble upon their way, to be the prouder 

 At their wish'd journey's end." 



This, however, I am sure, cannot be apphed to Sir Tatton Sykes. 

 It is quite evident to any common observer, that the quiet and 

 unassuming manner in which he carries himself to the world is one 

 of the component parts of his nature ; and those who know him can 

 testify that no man is more at variance with affectation or art. 



Sir Tatton' s method of travelling across country betrays a strength 

 of constitution and hardihood of frame, not only enviable, but 

 characteristic, I believe, of his countrymen. If asked to go a 

 hundred miles to ride a race, he puts a clean shirt in his pocket, his 

 racing jacket under his waistcoat, a pair of over-alls above his 

 leathers, and, jumping upon some thorough-bred tit, arrives there 

 the next day by the time of starting, and, when the race is over, 

 canters his thorough-bred home again. I cannot exactly determine 

 the value Sir Tatton puts upon riding a winning race for a friend ; 



