220 NIMROD'S NORTHERN TOUR. 



kick. I thought little of this ; he might be fresh, and 1 only hoped the 

 kick would be taken out of him before night. I then got along-side of 

 him, and a short parley took place between his rider and myself — having 

 first satisfied myself that this said horse had been given up by Sir David 

 Baird, who had him at Dunse, as perfectly useless as a hunter, for he 

 would not only refuse his fences, but stand still and kick in the middle 

 of a field, while the hounds were running : — 



Nimrod. — You have a fine slapping horse there. — (He was quite the 

 stamp for Leicestershire.) 



Servant. — A capital hunter, sir. 



Nimrod, — Is he temperate with hounds ? 



Servant. — A child may ride him, sir. 



Nimrod. — Why put that martingal on him ? 



Servant. — Master likes it, sir; no sort of occasion for it. 



Nimrod. — -What made him stop and kick with you on the road ? 



Servant. — Full of play, sir ; he saw that there donkey. — (I saw no 

 donkey.) 



Nimrod. — Is he for sale? 



Servant. Yes, sir. 



