CHAPTER IV. 

 The Tynedale Country. 



I have mentioned that the Tynedale country has a border 

 of moorland, but this is very small, and, I imagine, seldom 

 reached. The particular part of the country which joins the 

 moors is the north-western corner of the hunt — where it 

 marches with the Border country — and where at odd times 

 hounds go on to the heather after having met at siich places 

 as Kirkharle or Kirkwhelpington. I have indeed a recollec- 

 tion of the pack running a fox to Simonside, near llothbury, 

 many years ago, and not being recovered until the following 

 day; but that was many years ago, and I cannot find the news- 

 paper cutting in which the run was described. And before I 

 attempt some account of the Tynedale I must put it on record 

 that, though only a three days a week pack, the Tynedale 

 is one of the great hunts of the kingdom. It is, indeed, 

 great in every way. To begin with, it possesses a magnificent 

 country from almost every point of view. It has now, and 

 has had for many years past, one of the finest packs of hounds 

 in the world, and it has always enjoyed mastership of the most 

 competent description. Its style of hunting is a model to 

 other countries, and it has the loyal support of a large and 

 enthusiastic countryside, the result being that at normal times 

 fields are always large — probably on the whole larger than any 

 to be found farther north than the York and Ainsty country. 

 Thursdays with the Zetland used to attract very large fields 

 — perhaps (before the war) not quite so large since the pack 

 beceune a subscription one — and Friday meets on the York 

 side of the Bramham Moor country were always very largely 

 attended ; but I am inclined to think that the Tynedale 



