NIMROD'S NORTHERN TOUR. 379 



for want of scent. Lord Kintore tried hard to catch him, by casting 

 for some main earths, but finding that fail him he gave up his fox for 

 lost. Drew another gorse blank ; when as * the piercing blast of Boreas 

 blew' infernally strong, all agreed it would be better to go home and 

 hunt again the next day. A strong field out for the country. Rode the 

 Duchess." 



Saturday 14th. We had this day an agreeable addition to our party 

 in the person of Captain Barclay, who arrived the evening before — 

 leather breeches and all. But the history of these breeches! Why I 

 think it is unequalled in the history of all the breeches in the world. 

 Five and thirty years ago they were made for, and worn by that cele- 

 brated character in the boxing world, Mr. Jackson ; but having on their 

 first appearance on Ascot-heath race course, attracted the notice and 

 admiration of the Captain, for their apparently enduring qualities, they 

 were purchased by him on the spot ; and, unlike the galligaskins of the 

 poet Philips, 



■" which long withstood 



The wipjjer's fury, and encroaching frosts. 



By time subdued, (what will not time subdue !) 



An horrid chasm disclose ;" — 



are not only still unsubdued by time, but when newly cleaned, are still 

 fit to appear at any cover in any country. And where is the cover, or 

 what the country in which they have not appeared ? And where the 

 breed of bucks that furnished the skins of which they were made? 

 And how were such bucks killed ? — for surely their hides must have 

 been bullet proof, if they were all as thick as those which composed the 

 said memorable breeches. These interesting questions I am unable to 



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