The Revs. Legard, Milne, M.F.H., and Morris 31 



One cannot help wondering why the grumblers come out if 

 they so disapprove of the Master's methods ; nobody wants 

 them, though it is amusing to hear how much better they think 

 they could hunt hounds themselves. In man}^ cases I am sure 

 their endeavours would be an instructive and beautiful sight. 



Mr. Legard tells me he was proud of having been blooded bv 

 Will Carter, huntsman to old Sir Tatton Sykes. 



In 1887 Sir H. Langham, at that time Master of the Pytchley, 

 presented the living of Cottesbrooke in Northamptonshire to 

 Parson Legard, and there he remained until 1914, enjoying life 

 and health, holding his own in the saddle against all comers, 

 young or old. 



It was a charming little parish, and did not boast of a single 

 public-house. 



In a letter I received a short time ago from him he tells me 

 he has now attained the age of " threescore years and ten," and 

 he considers himself " time expired." It seems incredible so 

 many tides have washed the shore, for until his throat began to 

 give him trouble in 1914 he hunted his four days a week with a 

 bright steady eye and unshaken nerve. 



His health is now causing him anxiety and he is not able to 

 ride at all, which is a great grief to him ; but when well enough he 

 finds his way down to Tattersall's and any race-meetings there 

 may be. I never heard Mr. Legard preach, but I know that in 

 all the parishes where he has lived he has been greatly liked and 

 respected. He has the stately and very courteous manner of 

 his generation — perhaps a little more sedate than some. Up to a 

 year or two ago he had a bright, fresh complexion. He still 

 retains his bright eyes, and is interested in everything and very 

 proud of his grandchildren. I wonder if they will be able to 

 give as good an account of themselves when they are his age. 



This fine old Yorkshireman has officiated several times at 

 Peterborough Hound Show, and has for many years given a 

 silver hunting-horn as prize for the best unentered doghound. 

 His judgment was seldom in error. In 1885 he gave the prize 

 to Lord Willoughby de Broke's " Harper " who proved to be 

 one of the finest hounds of his day. 



In 1892 I remember his judging at the Dublin Horse Show — 

 an anxious though delightful occupation — where there is such 

 an enormous entry, and all of the best to decide amongst. On 



