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CHAPTER XIV. 



THE PYTCHLEY. 



** Now, Egraont," says Asliton. ** Now, Contract," says Dick, 

 " By G we'll show these d d Quornites the trick." 



The Pytchley country ranks in public estimation -with the 

 Quorn, and certainly is second to none, as the celebrated 

 Osbaldeston said. It lies in the very heart of !N"orthanipton- 

 shire, and takes its name from the little village of Pytchley, 

 where formerly the Pytchley Hunt Club used to meet in 

 the old mansion, called Pytchley Hall, when Lord Althorp 

 was master, and the celebrated Dick Knight huntsman. 

 ISIany tales are told of Dick Knight's prowess as a horseman ; 

 but, as most of my readers must have seen them over and over 

 again, I will refrain from inflicting these old-world stories on 

 them, and advise them, if they want to know more of Dick 

 Knight, to purchase the set of prints setting forth his exploits, 

 taken from paintings by Mr. Lorraine Smith, and which now 

 can be got in London, though not under a strong price. The 

 first master on record was Earl Spencer, who reigned in the 

 country in 1750, thus showing it is as old a hunt as any now 

 going, with the exception of the Brocklesby and Belvoir, and 

 perhaps the Badminton. Lord Spencer had two kennels, and 

 hunted both from Althorp and Pytchley. Mr. Buller, and the 

 well-known Stephen Goodall, who afterwards went to the Quorn, 

 followed for one season, and then came one of the most cele- 



K 



