CH. X.] SCRUPLES OVERCOME "FOX-HUNTER." 135 



nance, but (like Oliver Twist) asked for more, and 

 was ever afterwards happy to avail himself of any 

 chance that threw an odd one in his way. 



As it may seem strange to English ears to 

 hear that a fox-hunter should have been in a 

 position to be thus cavalierly treated in respect 

 of meats, it may be as well to inform the un- 

 initiated that a "fox-hunter" in the Highlands 

 means a person who is paid by the neighbouring 

 farmers to rid the country of foxes. This he does 

 in all kinds of unhandsome ways, by gun, by trap, 

 and sometimes by a motley pack of "hounds " by 

 which they are run to earth, being afterwards dug 

 out or otherwise disposed of, if they have escaped 

 being shot in transitu. The lively description 

 in Guy Mannering of a hunt of this kind will be 

 vividly in the recollection of all readers of Sir 

 Walter Scott. 



Our Fox-hunter, during the summer and au- 

 tumn months, when he was not busy about his 

 craft, gave us his valuable services as game- 

 keeper, dog-feeder, and general factotum as well 

 on water as land, assisting on the former in the 

 boats when required. This last occupation how- 

 ever he never took kindly to, considering it, I 

 fancy, rather below his dignity, and looking upon 



