42 sportsmen Parsons in Peace and War 



knowing their hunting powers, wished to collect a few of them, 

 end succeeded, eventually having one of the finest hunting -packs 

 in the west of England. 



It was from Mr. Templer that Mr. Russell said he learnt 

 much of his craft. 



Considering the habitual low state of this latter sporting 

 parson's finances, it is surprising the amount of hunting he 

 managed to enjoy. He said he was obliged to ride anything he 

 could get, and his horses had to work hard as well as their master, 

 for there was no hack to carry him to the meet, no dogcart 

 waiting to bring him home, and he used to ride long distances 

 to meets, occasionally as many as thirty miles. 



Three hunters were the most Mr. Russell could allow himself. 

 At one time he owned three exceptionally useful gees, " Billy," 

 only a cob of fourteen hands, clever and sturdy, never tired, 

 always game ; his owner said no money would tempt him to 

 part with the little horse ; " Cottager " and " Monkey " were 

 bad-tempered, and in consequence not considered desirable 

 mounts by most people. The former horse would try and 

 snatch at his rider's boots as he jogged along to the meet, only 

 forgetting his temper during the run. These horses carried 

 their owner for several seasons, and he rode twelve stone. 



His staff, consisted of himself as huntsman and whip, unless 

 an occasional friend whipped for him. His only regular help was 

 a rough youth who worked in the garden and stables ; he rejoiced 

 in the name of " Sam." His master coached him well, giving him 

 instructions in the science of hunting, as to what should be done 

 under certain circumstances, such as starting a fresh fox in 

 covert, etc. Sam enjoyed this catechism, and proved an 

 intelligent and valuable assistant. 



The appearance of his pack troubled Mr. Russell not at all, 

 so long as they could hunt ; and some of his mounts have been 

 little more tlian Exmoor ponies, on which he has started away 

 before daylight and returned after dark. The only person I 

 have ever heard of who could equal Mr. Russell in endurance of 

 long days and fatigues was old Sir Tatton Sykes, the Yorkshire- 

 man, but he was mounted on expensive horses, while Mr. Russell 

 often had to content himself with screws. One of the reasons 

 why Parson Jack got so much work out of his horses was due to 

 the care he took of them ; in the height of his pleasure he always 



