A NOTICE OF NIMROD. 13 



at even the hunting tours have broken down ! and 

 how many a book has since been built upon his 

 foundations! In some proof of his influence it may be 

 cited that, during the twenty years he wrote, the 

 fortune of one sporting magazine was made, and three 

 others started in opposition, but that within a short 

 period of his decease these all centred again in one 

 proprietorship. The writer of this sketch had the 

 pleasure of knowing him intimately for years, and a 

 more delightful companion was never met with. His 

 works were a reflection of himself — abounding in 

 anecdote and quick observation ; his knowledge of 

 men and horses being coupled with a certain sim- 

 plicity of manner which has been well said to be an 

 attribute of true greatness. He was, moreover, a very 

 handsome man, with a particularly pleasing expres- 

 sion, admirably caught in Maclise's portrait. At an 

 earlier period, just on his advent in life, he has been 

 as happily portrayed by the pen : — 



" Nimrod was one of the most fascinating persons 

 I ever saw ; his figure perfect, light and active, his 

 features handsome, his complexion clear, and glowing 

 with health, contrasted by his dark, closely-curling 

 hair, and eyes that sparkled with arch intelligence and 

 humour ; his countenance beaming with good-nature 



