NIMROD'S NORTHERN TOUR. 347 



Chester-hall, which it is many years since I had witnessed before, and 

 that was, the good old fashion of family worship on the Sunday evening, 

 at which the whole household assembled together. To say the least of it 

 it is aa interesting sight, and the example must speak loudly to all 

 around. 



On my way to Chester-hall, I called on Williamson for the purpose 

 of seeing the Dalkeith kennel and stables, and I was nearly certain of 

 finding both himself and his hounds at home, as it was freezing intensely 

 hard, with a slight fall of snow. I w^as disappointed in both — I mean 

 kennel and stables, after the description given to me of them, — consi- 

 dering them greatly inferior to those at St. Boswell's. Nevertheless, as 

 they are healthy, and away from noise, they are equal to the purposes 

 required of them. And here was a proof of one of the weaknesses of 

 human nature. Because they belong to a duke I expected to see some- 

 thing ducal in the appearance of them, whereas, it is the utile only which. 

 is absolutely required in kennels and stables, and Williamson, who, no 

 doubt, had the planning of them, is wide awake on that point. All that 

 is wanting of the dulce, belongs to the besom, the mop, and the pump. 



Monday presented the unpleasant sight of what children call a " white 

 world," and on Tuesday I returned to Edinburgh. "Will you look at a 

 chesnut horse for me, at Tnglis's," said Mr. Burn Callander to me, as I 

 left his house, "and tell me whether you think he can carry me?" 

 The mention of this fact can only be reconciled, by its leading to a 

 happy illustration of one of our commonest proverbs — namely, that " too 

 many cooks spoil the broth." When I arrived at the stables I found 

 Sir John Hope there on a similar errand, and Mr. Callander himself was 

 expected. " Now, Mr. Inglis," said I, " shall we be able amongst us 



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