The Rev. Jack Russell, M.F.H. and M.O.H. 47 



in one eye " — and before long collected a small pack of harriers 

 with which to hunt the surrounding country. 



When first Parson Jack began hunting he met with some 

 opposition amongst his neighbours, but, being fairly smart with 

 the gloves, the moment anyone interfered with his hounds he 

 settled it in true old English style, and soon there was no more 

 interference ; those who wished to quarrel with him soon became 

 ardent followers. 



Mr. Russell was only a few years at Black Torrington, and 

 died there, but was, of course, well known over the whole 

 country. 



What personality the man had will be understood from the 

 way the smallest things that had ever belonged to him are still 

 treasured. A friend of mine has in his possession, and greatly 

 prizes, the old boot-jack his reverence used ; it is now, or was 

 when I saw it a little while ago, badly worm-eaten, alas ! 



In a cottage I was shown a " piture " (photograph) of Mr. 

 Russell standing in the place of honour on the fluffy mat, beside 

 the family Bible. The owner said he would part with all his 

 possessions sooner than " the passon's piture." 



What made this man so loved ? It was his big, good heart, 

 and — it is a very big and — because he was what in those days 

 was the first requisite for gentlepeople — a courtier. 



His wife was a Miss Bury, one of an old Devonshire family ; 

 she died some years before he did. He had been much attached 

 to her, and felt her death painfully. 



It was at Black Torrington he wrote his sermons in the 

 " powder cupboard." 



I wish he had written a diary ; there was so much in his life 

 that was interesting, but he kept no record of his doings. He 

 had a wonderful memory and was an entertaining companion ; 

 down in the neighbourhood of his old home and in sporting 

 circles people are never tired of telling one stories of Parson Jack. 



Generally speaking, £ s. d. makes the wheels of life turn 

 smoothly and helps to build up fame ; but money played no part 

 in building up Mr. Russell's, for he was always in the lowest 

 water, riding anything he could get ; and it speaks well for his 

 pluck and management that he was able to hunt and enjoy life 

 to a ripe old age, thanks, no doubt, greatly to his frugal life. 

 He always preferred bread and cheese and cider to the most 



