“The Calpe Hunt in Gibraltar — The Hunt of the Cape Hounds” from “The Graphic” (1 May 1886)

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The Calpe Hunt in Gibraltar — The Hunt of the Cape Hounds

1 May 1886

Wood-engraving

32 cm high by 22.3 cm wide — 11 ⅞ inches by 8 ⅞ inches

Illustration for The Graphic, p. 459. [Click on image to enlarge it.]

In Spanish, "Calpe" refers to the ancient name for the Rock of Gibraltar, also known as Mons Calpe.

Gibraltar

Scanned image, formatting, and text by Philip V. Allingham. See below for commentary.

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The Original Commentary on "The Calpe Hunt"

FOX-HUNTING is a very popular amusement at Gibraltar, for there is not only the chance of a fair amount of sport, but the opportunity of meeting most of those who form the society of the garrison, and a pleasant ride through beautiful country, which makes an agreeable change from the somewhat narrow limits of the Rock.

The field consists generally of officers from the garrison, officials of the place, a few civilians and visitors, and, when the fleet comes in, some naval officers. There are sometimes sixty or more people at the meet, including a number of ladies, and this constant association for a common object of officers and others of all ranks must be of great advantage in promoting harmony and good feeling.

The Calpe Hunt has had an uninterrupted existence of more than seventy years, originating in a very small way at the beginning of the century. Two sportsmen obtained a couple of foxhounds from England, and hunted on foot on the Rock itself, which then swarmed with foxes. Although begun by civilians, the Club eventually fell into the hands of the officers of the garrison. In 1884, new kennels were built at the North Front, the foundation-stone being laid by Lady Adye, the wife of the Governor, who, with his daughters, is often present at the meets. The Hunt is supported by monthly subscriptions, and a "cap" of half-a-dollar from those who do not subscribe. This latter is collected at the meet, and averages about 100l., which goes to the damage fund, a serious item, owing to the increase of cultivation and the extortionate demands of the native farmers, who take no interest in the sport.

Bibliography

The Calpe Hunt in Gibraltar — The Hunt of the Cape Hounds — "Paddy" on the Grass of Spain's Chalk — Hunt of the Cape Hounds at Stable. The Graphic: An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper, No. 857, Vol. 33 (1 May 1886).

"Our Illustrations: The Calpe Hunt." The Graphic: An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper, No. 857, Vol. 33 (1 May 1886).

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