THE nUXTSMES. 70 



tliree days' hunting in tliat district. On 91I1 Maicli, the Master. J. C 

 Smytli. with some of liis whips (J. Ravcnscroft, W. II. Legge, Stuart Smyth, 

 and N. Caine), took advantage of the opportunity. They enjoyed some 

 very good sport on tlie second day, but the weatlier was very unpropitious 

 on the last day. This was exceptionally unfortunate, as the village was 

 c'/i fitc for the occasion, a general holiday, with all the mills closed, and 

 Inmdreds turning up at the meet. We were a long time in finding, and, 

 immediately we did find, a blinding snowstorm and mist prevented all 

 chance of sport. In the evening Cole was in his element. All the sport- 

 lovers of the place assembled in the tap-room of the hotel, and Cole held a 

 sort of court, leading the revelry of song and mirth in fine style, convincing 

 his cronies (and possibly himself) that the hounds belonged to him, and that 

 he would certainly bring his hounds again to IlayfieKl in the coming season. 

 He also sang a song of his own composition, which was very well received 

 by the assembled company. Here it is : — 



It was near to Raby town, my boys, as I have heard them tell. 

 There was an old sporting hare that us-ed for to dwell. 

 She had been run by greyhounds, the Wirral hounds as well, 

 But never a one amongst them could kill this old hare. 



CJiunis — To my fal de lal, &c. 



Macfie being our Master, and hearing of the news, 



He says, " I can kill that champion hare on any da}- I choose. 



I'll take ten couple of beagles and a few gentlemen, 



So we'll go a-hunting there, and then, oh I then, oh I then." 



When we came to the place where this old hare used to lie, 

 \\'c threw out our beagles, and bid them for to try ; 

 Such questing and such music as you seldom e\er knew, 

 As though they had been running her all in full view. 



This old hare laying so snug, and hearing of the sounds, 



She thought within herself it was time to leave the grounds ; 



If they'd been those Wirral Harriers, with them I'd sport and play. 



But it's Cole with his beagles, and he'll take my life away. 



Then right round by Hinderton, she led a gallant chase. 

 Our men they- ran most vig'rously, the spoils for to embrace. 

 W'c had Trimbush, Lady, Driver, who held up the chase so gay, 

 But Wasteful was a fast young bitch, and led them all the way. 



Then right round by Thornton Hough, they rattled her about. 

 Till they brought her to the place again, whence first she went out, 

 Down upon Tom McAlroy's farm, where she had meant to steal away. 

 But Lingerer was too quick for her, and caused her for to stay. 



It was ten couple of beagles that caused this old hare to die. 

 The average of their height is just si.xteen inches high. 

 The equal of these hounds, is not to be found. 

 Nor never better hunters seen upon Old England's ground. 



