42 



where he had lain down. The excitement was now intense, 

 as they ran him almost in view down the banks of the river, 

 but he slipped them again, and, crossing over, took up the 

 opposite bank. After rattling him through the wood they 

 fairly ran into him at the edge of the river — Mr. Moreton 

 never resorting to the use of the spear. On looking at 

 my watch I found we had just been three hours at it — no 

 easy work, I can tell you. It would require the pen of a 

 Campbell and the pencil of a Landseer to do justice to the 

 scene, as Sandy stood in the wild glen with the otter over his 

 head, the hounds all baying round, and the Laird giving his 

 clear " Wlio'-hoop," the field all standing round in every 

 variety of costume and colour, kilts, knickerbockers, trews, 

 &c.; and I actually saw one gentleman with lavender kid 

 gloves on! Mr. Oswald and young Mrs. Oswald having 

 ridden down into the bed of the river, were ju.st in the nick 

 of time to see the death. "He must be twenty pounds 

 weight," remarks Mr. Oswald, a good judge, having some 

 years ago kept a pack himself. " Aye, and mair," says Sandy. 

 As the morning was excessively hot, and the hounds had 

 enough of it, the Master gave the word " Home," and away 

 we trudged, somewhat leg-tired, excessively thirsty, and all 

 highly delighted with the splendid sport we had seen. On 

 the way home some of the Glaisca' drouthy ones, meeting a 

 milk cart with rather a good-looking girl, took toll, and the 

 amount of buttermilk imbibed was something fabulous, which, 

 however, was pronounced perfect nectar, and sent them on 

 their way rejoicing. 



I hear this pack had another very good run on Monday, 

 and a kill higher up the river ; but as I had not the pleasure 

 of seeing it, I am sorry I can't give you an account of the 

 sport. 



