32 sportsmen Parsons in Peace and War 



that particular occasion I think I remember there were two 

 hundred and fifty horses. 



At the request of the Master of Foxhounds' Association, Mr. 

 Legard a few years ago undertook the very arduous task of 

 compihng the Foxhound Kennel Stud Book, the labour of which 

 can only be understood and appreciated by those who have even 

 in a small way worked back over a few generations of hounds, 

 endeavouring to fill in their pedigrees faithfully and fully for the 

 benefit and use of future sportsmen and women. 



I first met Mr. Legard at Bishopthorpe when staying with 

 Archbishop Thomson, whom as children we called the " Cod- 

 fish," because we thought him so like one. He was really a fine, 

 handsome man, but he certainly did at times remind one of that 

 fish. 



There is nothing the least loud or horsey in Mr. Legard's 

 appearance ; on the contrary, always neat, as neat as could be, 

 of late years clean-shaven, with a healthy colour. When racing 

 he wears a bird's-eye tie suitable to the occasion, at other 

 times the regulation clerical one ; but it would not be Mr. Legard 

 without the tall hat and sensible umbrella which are his habitual 

 accompaniments. 



Some years ago an enterprising journalist, meeting him in 

 Piccadilly, asked for a photograph to reproduce with an account 

 of his hunting and racing experiences for one of the leading 

 sporting papers of the day. Not being anxious for this adver- 

 tisement, Mr. Legard said jokingly he feared it might prevent 

 him being made the next Archbishop of York. 



The following week, or at least shortly after this interview, 

 there appeared in the paper the Parson's picture with a well- 

 written article on his sporting activities, and his remarks taken 

 seriously about being the next Archbishop of York. 



Poor Mr. Legard ! What must his feelings have been ! 

 It surely was hard to forgive, but with his characteristic kindness 

 and good nature he took it all in good part. 



We are told to forgive our enemies, but we are not told to 

 forgive our friends, which is perhaps just as well, for at times 

 they are hard to forgive. 



All the clerical sportsmen I have known have been smart, 

 well-groomed men, keen observers of the ritual of the chase, 

 which leads to respect and a certain amount of reverence. 



