The Bedale, 125 



Mark Milbank, of Thorp Perron, near Bedale, in 

 1832. 



The coverts of The Bedale are all either whins or 

 natural and comparatively small woods and planta- 

 tions. There are no strong woodlands in the Hunt ; 

 and the only exception, to the rule of small coverts is 

 in the case of the Duke of Leeds' fine woods at 

 Hornby — which, however, have hitherto only been 

 open to the hounds after early shooting. Hornby is 

 a beautiful place situated on a brow of undulating 

 ground, looking across to the Kennels at a few miles' 

 distance. 



The town of Bedale in the centre, or Thirsk and 

 Northallerton on the eastern boundary, are the choice 

 of quarters for an intending visitor. The two latter 

 are on the main line of the North-Eastern Railway ; 

 and are about five hours from London {via York, 

 and King's Cross or St. Pancras). The horse the 

 visitor should bring may perhaps be gathered from 

 the foregoing. Short legs and strong back are 

 desirable ; and it is better that the animal should 

 jump within himself than fling too far and freely. 



Major Dent hunts three days a week — for which his 

 country is more than ample. Monday, Wednesday, 

 and Friday are his days, distributed much as follows 

 — Monday is usually for the centre of the country; 

 and Bedale (3i miles from The Kennels) has for years 

 been the first advertised meet of the season), to draw 

 the Bedale Woods (the property of Sir Henry 

 Beresford Peirse). The Leases (the site of the 

 Kennels — the chief claim of which, by the way, to 

 be in keeping with the Hunt must rest solely upon 



