LORD MIDDLETON.— 1811. 99 



Bottoms, and on to Bodington Hill. Being driven through 

 that cover, he took off to Hardwick Field. The fox was not 

 headed, nor did the hounds come to a check the whole of 

 the distance. From this place to Red Hill Wood, the pace 

 was a killing one, and has seldom been equalled at any time. 

 Here the hounds first came to a check, which was a relief, 

 though only a very short one, to the Field, as most of the 

 nags had got a pretty good dressing, and were nearly all 

 blown. Reynard now shifted ground, doubled, and crept 

 into a small furze brake. At the very instant the hunted 

 fox doubled back, a fresh fox was tally-ho'd away ; this 

 divided the hounds, and the consequence was both of them 

 were lost, after a very good run, which up to the time of 

 falling in with a fresh scent, must have afforded delight 

 and satisfaction to every one who saw it. 



THE SAME, BY VENATOR. 



' Wlien tlie morn stands on tiptoe 'twixt mountain and sky, 

 How pleasant to follow the hounds in full cry ! 



When the bright spangling dew drops the meadows adorn, 

 How delightful to follow the hounds and the horn !' 



While at the glass dull squeamish beaus 

 Adjust with girlish pride their clothes ; 

 Or idly chaunt the morn away. 

 Trimming their whiskers, black or grey ! 

 Give me, well hors'd, the chance to seek 

 Rude health o'er hill or valley bleak ; 

 Down sloughy lanes to covert ride. 

 And over fences high and wide, 

 Led by the all bewitching sounds 

 Of the sweet horn, but sweeter hounds — 

 That Ivisty health, which labour, kind, 

 Bestows upon the sturdy hind. 



G 2 



