Mr. James Top ham 335 



That he proved himself such for some eight or teu 

 years, is in the grateful recollection of every Member 

 of the Pytchley, as well as of many a stranger to the 

 Hunt. 



The odour of the Topham hospitality still hovers 

 around the precincts of the famous cover ; and many a 

 hunting man remembers with gratitude the good cheer 

 that at the end of a long day sent him on his homeward 

 way rejoicing. 



A sportsman of the old school, Mr. Topham never 

 thought of joining the noble army of '^ thrusters/' but 

 was content to hold his own with the second flight, ever 

 keeping his eye upon the leading hounds, and quick to 

 make his point as they turned to right or left. 



After eight or ten years of good service to the country 

 of his adoption, the property again came into the market, 

 and happily once more fell into the hands of a Sports- 

 man, who, though somewhat of an absentee, in no way 

 permits the reputation of the well-known cover to suffer 

 an eclipse. During the last season, foxes ran about the 

 hills like rabbits ; and after three or four had been 

 seen to follow in each other^s tracks, the cry was " still 

 they come.'^ 



Before quitting the neighbourhood, Mr. Topham 

 received a compliment of which he may well have been 

 proud — one accorded to such only, who, by some peculiar 

 merit of their own, have won the esteem of those by 

 whom worth is appreciated on its own account. 



At a public dinner attended by a large number of 

 hunting men, the late owner of the Hemplow was 

 presented with a handsome mark of the esteem in which 

 he was held by his friends and neiglibours. From the 



