CHAPTER II. 



" Such is the patriot's boast, where'er we roam, 

 Our first best country ever is at home." 



IN May, 1872, Mr. Harvey entered upon the Mastership 

 of the South Durham Hounds, with Thomas Dowdes- 

 well (who had been the Durham County huntsman since 

 1867) as huntsman, and Thomas Morton as whipper-in ; the 

 pack consisted of thirty-two couples of hounds, the intention 

 being to hunt the country five days a fortnight. Mr. Anthony 

 Lax Maynard aspired to three days a week in the North 

 Durham country, which was just now particularly well 

 supplied with foxes ; and Henry Haverson, who had been 

 first whipper-in with Lord Eglinton's and the Bedale, had 

 charge of his thirty-five couples of hounds ; Thomas Noble 

 and William Hawkswell officiating as whips. The meets 

 were advertized for 10-30 a.m., Mr. Maynard being essenti- 

 ally an early man, and not inferior to Mr. Harvey in powers 

 of endurance — indeed he was a fine all-round man, whose 

 motto was Suaviter in modo fortiter in re; 3l good quick 

 shot, and an excellent judge of a horse, so much so that he 

 was in great request at Agricultural Shows, where he con- 

 stantly officiated in the ring, to the satisfaction of exhibitors. 

 Mr. Harvey used to joke about Mr. Maynard's name, and 



