226 NIMROD'S NORTHERN TOUR. 



his pocket, began to read: — '* the hounds met this day, my lord, at 

 Haddon-rig, and we found our fox at ten minutes past eleven," when 

 his lordship informed him that all extraneous matter might be dispensed 

 with, and desired him to confine himself to facts. 



I was my intention this day to have heard Professor Wilson lecture, 

 but learning from Mr. Blackwood that he was indisposed with a cold, 

 I thought it prudent to await a fitter opportunity. I finished the morning 

 then v;ith a lounge in Mr. Inglis's stables, which was rendered more 

 than usually agreeable by meeting several of my sporting friends in them, 

 who had arrived in Edinburgh to attend one of the periodical dinners of 

 the Royal Caledonian Hunt Club. Amongst them was Mr. Campbell, 

 of Saddel, who had seen a run that morning with the Duke of 

 Buccleuch's hounds, and who, accompanied by his Grace, had ridden to 

 Edinburgh after hunting — the distance just fifty miles. Nor was this 

 all. Mr. Campbell rode the same number of miles the next morning to 

 meet Lord Elcho's pack ! So much for the charms of fox-hunting ; but 

 what other pastime would be purchased at such a sacrifice as this ? 



My notice of Edinburgh would be very incomplete, were I to pass 

 over, without remark, this justly celebrated Club, of which the King is 

 patron; and which consists of most of the noblemen and gentlemen 

 now resident in Scotland. It was instituted in 1777 ; and it appears that 

 the oldest member of it is Mr. Baillie of Jerviswood — i.e., of Mellerstain, 

 where he now resides. 



I was given to understand that the funds of this club are very con- 

 siderable, notwithstanding the numerous acts of beneficence which 

 emanate from them ; and the honour attached to an election to it is 



