NIMROD'S NORTHERN TOUR. 255 



save the lives of half the foxes that are hunted, and may be said to mar 

 half the sport of a season. On this subject I shall have a word to say 

 at another time. 



I must not, however, dismiss the character of John Walker, as 

 huntsman to the Fife hounds, without the following remark, in qualifi- 

 cation, as it were, of the almost extravagant praise I have bestowed upon 

 it. Without any disparagement of his zeal and talent, but merely to 

 account for his almost unequalled success, it must not be forgotten that 

 he stepped into his situation at a most favourable period — ^just in the 

 nick of time, it may be said, to derive the advantage of his predecessor 

 Crane's equally zealous and highly effective exertions in making' a 

 country, and reforming a pack of hounds. On the other hand, there is 

 an acknowledged disadvantage in immediately appearing after a well 

 graced actor, on any stage, and this must be placed to Walker's credit. 



I saw an average statement of the expences of the Fife hounds (observe, 

 they have three kennels) for the years 1830, 1831, amounting to £1468 

 14s. 6d. in the following disbursements. 



Stable £543 8 9 



Kennel 316 13 7 



Servants 419 9 



Incidents, including £97 19s. 9d. for hounds 



purchased in the two years 189 11 5 



£1468 14 6 



I considered Walker to be well assisted in the field. His first whip, 

 Tom. Batters, is a good man with hounds, and no doubt all the better 



