CHAPTER II 



A HUNT IN DURHAM WITH THE BRAES OF DERWENT 



Durham and its patron saints, St Cuthbert and St Bede — Shotley Bridge 

 and the Braes of Derwent hounds — Derwent Eodge the home of the 

 master, ]\Ir Lewis Priestman — The kennel and the leading hounds 

 seen on the flags — The characteristics of the pack — Proprietor of the 

 Venture Coach from Scarborough — A cub-hunting morning at Sneep 

 Point — The country described — The keenness of the field and the 

 lady division — The points of a good master — The appointment of 

 the hunt and the plan of a day's sport — The opportunity for hound 

 work and good points made by foxes — A long day's hunting in March 

 and return to kennels by lo o'clock — The record of the seasons' sport. 

 1910-11. 



" Old fighting Durham ! stubborn borderland ! 

 Leagued with thy sister, fair Northumberland ! 

 From thy time-honour'd battlements we trace, 

 From blood to blood, an honour'd sportsman's race — 

 Thro' Grindon, Carlton, Hartburn, to Fox-hill." 



— G. M. S. 



From whatever point we view Durham's Cathedral, 

 it gives the impression of massive strength — 



" Grey Towers of Durham 

 Half Church of God, half Castle 'gainst the Scot." 



The last resting place of St Cuthbert and St Bede, 

 inspired our revered parent when a graduate at the 

 University in the 'forties, and dictates of piety 

 prompted the nom de plume of Cuthbert Bede, for 

 a literary career. The journey north was, therefore, 

 a pilgrimage to a shrine associated with the most 

 soul-stirring memories. Travelling by the North 

 Eastern between Durham and Newcastle, the rail- 

 way is about 600 feet above sea level, on the ridge 

 of a coal-mining district, with the usual evidence 

 of grime, toil, and wealth. On the left-hand of 



