Some stories. 55 



fortunately, catching hold of one of the stirrups, his horse 

 dragged him out, but I believe it was what he called ' a very 

 near go.' When he had run his fox to ground he coolly laid 

 down on his back and held up his heels to enable the water to 

 run out of his boots. 



" I very much fear this gallant sportsman will, one of 

 these days, change time for eternity in his attempts to cross 

 this rapid river. Indeed, on his late escape, his brother Lozzy 

 seriously admonished him of the impending danger ; but all 

 the notice taken of the salutary hint was — 'My life is my own, 

 and I suppose I may do what I like with it.' 



" When Mr. Matthew Wilkinson's eldest brother was on 

 his death-bed, he was asked by a friend for the fixtures for the 

 forthcoming week. His reply was this : ' Why, Tommy is 

 very ill, and if Tommy dies we can't hunt till Monday; but if 

 Tommy don't die we shall hunt somewhere on Friday.' A 

 brother sportsman died, and left Matty five pounds to purchase 

 a black coat to his memory, Matty purchased a red one, 

 thinking thereby that he had shown still greater respect to his 

 departed friend. 



" Mr. Matthew Wilkinson is esteemed a very superior 

 huntsman as far as the working of his hounds is concerned, as 

 also assisting them in recovering a scent. His great weight, 

 however (full seventeen stones), precludes the possibility of his 

 always being in the place ; though everyone I conversed with 

 agreed that, from his great knowledge of the country, and of 

 the usual line of his foxes, he creeps up to his hounds, when at 

 fault, much sooner than expected. This is the result of a 

 quick eye and a good share of brains, with each of which Mr. 

 W. is very well furnished. Of his management in the kennel 

 I can say nothing ; nor can I say much of the condition of his 



