NIMROD'S NORTHERN TOUR. 173 



who know him, will say, I might have saved myself the trouble, for 

 there is not an ounce of starch about Lord Frederick Fitzclarence, who 

 set down my familiarity to its true account — the non-recollection of his 

 person, muffled up as it was. 



We drew over a great deal of country, and some fine whin covers, 

 with only a very slight touch of a drag, and I began to think we were 

 in for a blank day, when Lord Frederick got tidings that some main 

 earths were not stopped, through a mistake in the stoppers, and we con- 

 sequently trotted away to Learmouth Bog. This was in every sense of 

 the word an agreeable move, for the weather was wild and boisterous on 

 the higher ground, and we had now descended into a milder region, as 

 well as a more hunting-like country, and a brilliant day's sport was the 

 happy result. 



It has not been my lot to see a great many foxes foung on bogs ; but 

 of this I am certain — that when the surrounding ground commands a 

 view of the proceedings, a bog is the place of all others to see '' a find" 

 to advantage. In the first place, every hound is at once present to the 

 eye when drawing, there being nothing to cover them ; and the sight of 

 the whole pack — perhaps jumping from tussuck totussuck, in the hope 

 of pouncing upon the villain, is no small treat. Then see them 

 featherina: on the scent before he is found— as we did this day — how 

 beautiful they look, clustering together, as it were to assist each other! 

 But the find ! to see him jump up in view — as we also did this day — and 

 break that view in the second field, by his speed and his cunning, — by 

 heavens it is the very perfection of the thing at starting. Fox, hounds, 

 and horsemen, all get away at once, and as the saying is, " it is the 

 devil take the hindmost." 



