66 THE LIFE OF A FOXHOUND. 



to check the imposter and depraved. His 

 house was one wherein hospitality reigned the 

 seasons round; and it mattered not who were 

 the guests, a hearty welcome awaited each and 

 all. In the pursuit, too, of his favourite 

 sport, he never permitted an injury to pass 

 unrecompensed, although careful that no false 

 application should succeed. Not a gate nor a 

 bar was broken, a head of poultry lost 

 suspiciously, or the most trifling damage 

 done, but what, instantly and liberally, 

 amends were made. Sternly discountenanc- 

 ing all unfair riding over wheat, young grass, 

 and layers, he was regarded by the farmers as 

 a friend to their interests; and so far from 

 objecting to a fixture in their neighbourhood, 

 they were glad when it came to their turn. 

 By proper and simple judicious means the end 

 is always attainable; and if those masters of 

 hounds who complain of a dearth of foxes, 

 and opposition to their sport, would but take 

 a memorandum out of the note-book of " our 

 Squire, ' ' many a blank day might be rendered 

 as fruitful as the vine *' clustering with a 

 thousand rings.** 



