176 NIMROUS NORTHERN TOUR. 



As a horseman, Walker is also pre-eminent, although now and 

 then a little regardless of, or, perhaps, I should say, a little too 

 severe on, his horses. But he will be " with 'em," if there is any 

 go left in his nag ; and hence he derives a great advantage over 

 his fox, which I have reason to believe seldom escapes him with 

 a fair scent, and provided he will stay above ground. But the 

 numerous open drains in Fife and Forfar save the lives of half 

 the foxes that are hunted, and may be said to mar half the sport 

 of a season. On this subject I shall have a word to say at 

 another time. 



I must not, however, dismiss the character of John Walker, 

 as huntsman to the Fife hounds, without the following remark, 

 in qualification, as it were, of the almost extravagant praise I 

 have bestowed upon it. Without any disparagement of his zeal 

 and talent, but merely to account for his almost unequalled suc- 

 cess, it must not be forgotten that he stepped into his situation 

 at a most favourable period just in the nick of time, it may be 

 said, to derive the advantage of his predecessor Crane's equally 

 zealous and highly effective exertions in making a country, and 

 reforming a pack of hounds. On the other hand, there is an 

 acknowledged disadvantage in immediately appearing after a 

 well-graced actor, on any stage, and this must be placed to 

 Walker's credit. 



I saw an average statement of the expenses of the Fife hounds 

 (observe, they have three kennels) for the years 1830, 1831, 

 amounting to .1468 145. 6d., in the following disbursements: 



Stable e 543 8 9 



Kennel 316 13 7 



Servants 419 o 9 



Incidents, including ^97 195. gd. > 

 for hounds purchased in the 



two years 189 n 5 



,1468 14 6 



I considered Walker to be well assisted in the field. His first 

 whip, Tom Batters, is a good man with hounds, and no doubt 

 all the better for the blessings Crane bestowed upon him. The 

 second, well bred for the situation, being a son of Smith, the 

 celebrated Brocklesby huntsman (Lord Yarborough's), has since 

 left him. It was young days with him when I was in Fife, and 

 unfortunately for human nature, judgment ripens slowly ; but I 

 liked what I saw of his performance, and there appeared to be 

 nothing like riot about him. He must mind what he is at, how- 



