y^/r. James Top ham, ^2>. 



FAEMEE MEMBEES. 



MR. JAMES TOPHAM. 



Looking down from the wind-blown heights of the fitly- 

 named " Cold Ashby/' the famous Hemplow Hills come 

 into the full view of the spectator, a stronghold for 

 foxes for many a mile around ; and in spite of its some- 

 what formidable ascent, dear to every Pytchley heart. 

 Inseparably connected with it is the name of one, who, 

 though he has now for some years quitted it for his 

 native county, had so impressed his individuality upon 

 it, that '' Jem Topham '' and " Hemplow Hills ^^ seemed 

 almost part and parcel of the same word. 



A Lincolnshire yeoman, hailing from Lord Yar- 

 borough's country, where farming and hunting run in 

 couples — a keen sportsman, and as good a judge of 

 horse and hound as of sheep or shorthorn — it was a 

 grand day for the "P.H.'^ when the Hemplow property 

 passed into hands determined to maintain its reputation 

 as a great sporting centre. 



In the whole area of the Pytchley Hunt, there is 

 probably no more vital spot than that known as ^' the 

 Hemplow." 



Popular as a breeding-place, a year without four or 

 five litters would be a phenomenon of more than 

 ordinary evil omen, and would entail an inquiry of a 

 most deep and searching character. As was said of the 

 " Eternal City,^^ ^' When falls the Colosseum, Rome shall 



