1877—78.] SUNNY FP^BRUARY. * 227 



bore to the left to Ragdale Hall, ran between that and the 

 village, and finally (at ten minutes past five) whipped off' when 

 just about to re-enter Shoby Scoles — thus making the run to 

 be otie liouy and ticenty-five minutes in all. 



The chief news of the week ending February 9, 1878, was 

 the resignation of Mr. Tailb}', after two and twenty years of 

 honourable office. The narrowed limits of his present country 

 and the entire want of woodlands in which to work his J'oung 

 hounds are the reasons which have brought about his determina- 

 tion. As a INIaster who has thrown half a lifetime, lieartily 

 and successfully^ into the cause of foxhunting, his name will 

 ever carry jtvith it encomium and respect. He first offered 

 himself at a crisis ; and has ever since, in fair weather and in 

 foul, carried on with energy and determination the task that he 

 had undertaken. 



Vague rumours also came afloat of Lord Spencer being about 

 to resign the Mastership of the Pytchley. Ever}^ qualification 

 of position and ability point to him as being the only man to 

 fill a most difficult post ; and if he retires the loss Avill be 

 well-nigh irreparable. Rumour, with her many tongues, Avhis- 

 pers her sinister prophecies also about the noble lord wdio 

 rules with liberal hand over the best and wildest countr}- in 

 the Shires, Lord Lonsdale. 



SUNNY FEBRUARY. 



Fkiday, February 8tli, and Monday, February llth^ with 

 the Quorn, -were two as hot daj^s as were ever credited to the 

 month of February. The sun shone out all day with the force 

 and brilliancy of June — all out of keeping with tlie end and 

 object for which our small section of the community had met 

 and assembled. But some excellent sport was shown on Frida}^ 

 when men expected none. Twelve was the hovu' named, in 

 kindness to those who, in ])ump or satin shoe, liad been, till 



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