56 



Througli life 'tis our sworn resolution 

 To stick to the pig-skin and throne ; 

 We are all for a good constitution ! 

 Each man taking care of his own." 



The above lines, slightly altered from " Bailey," will, I think, 

 express the feelings of most sportsmen, and in spite of all the 

 Dilkes to the fore ! there does not seem to be any falling off 

 in the followers of the most popular and health-giving sport 

 in the three kingdoms. Long may such be the state of 

 matters. 



Tuesday, 1873. — Met at Castlemilk, where Captain Stuart 

 dispensed his usual hospitality; after which a move was 

 made to Netherton Braes, where they found at once, but, 

 unfortunately, the fox got to ground in the rocks. Drew 

 Castlemilk lower woods blank. A good number of foxes have 

 been killed hunting this year at Castlemilk, and even the 

 best coverts are sometimes blank from some unaccountable 

 cause. Every one knows, as I have had occasion to say 

 before, that Hunter is as keen a preserver as his master could 

 wish, so it is not his fault. Found in the " Muir " and ran 

 down to Cathkin, where he went to ground in a drain; after 

 an hour's digging he bolted, and Squires giving him good law, 

 they went away a burster up the hill, back to where they found 

 him. Disdaining, however, to enter the covert, and no doubt 

 being hard pressed, turned to the right, rather pointing 

 for Carmunnock, but went away towards Chapelhill and 

 crossed the Kittoch water; going along the banks he re- 

 crossed the burn, and turned up towards Limekilns, and 

 leaving the coverts on the right, crossed the Kilbride road, 

 and was run to ground in a drain quite close to Old Frams 

 house at Calderwood, just about ten yards in front of the 

 hounds. Time, forty minutes, without a check, over an entirely 

 grass country. But, alas! I have once more to condemn that 

 dreadful system of man-traps, namely, running wire through a 

 hedge which is hardly visible, until you are made aware of 

 the fact by a frightful '• cropper." If it had not been for 

 these " stoppers," this run would have been perfect. Captain 



