2 24 The PytcJiley Hunt^ Past and Present. 



MR. HERBERT LANGHAM. 



In Mr. Herbert Langham of Cottesbrooke^the ^'^P.H." were 

 fortunate enough to find another country gentleman, the 

 fourth in succession, ready to undertake the office of 

 M.F.H. In social position, locality of residence, loTe of 

 hunting, and general popularity, a more fitting successor 

 could not have been found ; and a liberal subscription 

 enabled him to look forward to a happy and successful 

 reign. 



It was now arranged that the Woodland Country — a 

 long-standing difficulty with the '^ P.H.'^ — should, under 

 the title of the "^ North Pytchley," be hunted by a 

 separate pack of hounds and Master, thereby greatly 

 lessening the labours of the establishment at Brixworth. 

 Happily for the new experiment, Mr. Watson of Rock- 

 ingham Castle — the keenest sportsman and the most 

 popular man in the whole country-side — was willing to 

 become Master of the " N.P.H.", and for two years con- 

 trived to instil life and animation into the proceedings ; 

 after which he retired into private life. Mr. Pennel 

 Elmhirst succeeded Mr. Watson, himself carrying the 

 horn ; but being an entire stranger in the land, and un- 

 used to handling hounds in a strong country, the measure 

 of his success was not very remarkable. 



Lord Lonsdale next took up the running, or rather 

 the hunting, and fairly astonished the land of Brigstock 

 with the lavish munificence of his expenditure. Mount- 

 ing his men as men never before were mounted; himself 

 riding horses more fitted for the Waterloo than a Wood- 

 laud country, and sparing no expense on either the 

 kennel or stables, it seemed as though " Monte Cristo " 



