AND STIELINGSHIRE HUNT 



The 10th of February 1877 was celebrated by 

 another fine run, and although the span from 

 find to finish was less than in some of the runs 

 already described, the distance which hounds 

 travelled was probably greater. Oatridge was 

 the fixture, and a very large field, including the 

 master (Mr Hope), Lord Hopetoun, afterwards 

 Marquis of Linlithgow, Colonel Shairp and Colonel 

 Gillon, received a kindly welcome from the well- 

 known and popular tenant-farmer and good sports- 

 man, Mr Thomas Young. Hounds found quickly 

 in the covert on the Braes o' Mar and as quickly 

 went away, running almost straight to Kings- 

 cavil, and thence, after a short check, over 

 Nancy's hill and by Ochiltree Castle and Mochrie's 

 whin as if for Longmuir. Leaving that on their 

 right, they passed Ochiltree mill, crossed the old 

 grass of West Binny at a great pace, and ran on 

 by Blackcraig and Bangour towards Dechmont, 

 but swinging right-handed, continued by Drum- 

 cross, Whitelaw and Gala Braes to Ballencrieff 

 wood. From this two fresh foxes went away, 

 and an exchange might have taken place, had 

 not Lord Hopetoun, who viewed the hunted fox, 

 holloaed hounds on to his line. Recovering it, 

 they streamed away by Bishopbrae, Hilderston, 

 Wallhouse craigs, and Wallhouse to Wallace's 

 cave, and hunting down the banks of the Avon, 

 crossed it at Wallhouse Desert and went on as 

 if for Muiravonside. Becrossinix the river near 

 Carribber however, they doubled back towards 



241 Q 



