106 



Saturday, 21st (Finlayston). — A nasty, drizzly morning, and 

 a large field out. After partaking of tlie hospitality of that 

 prince of sportsmen, Mr. George Kidston, and the "coffee 

 housing" having been got over, a move was made to the East 

 Wood. But much to Hay's disappointment they did not find, 

 as three foxes had been seen in the covert last time they were 

 shooting. However, they found in the gorse at the east; but 

 the field being very unruly, they could make nothing of it. 

 Drew Craigmarlock blank. In the meantime, a fox was 

 viewed away from Knockmountain. Squires quickly got his 

 hounds laid on, and away they went a burster down the hollow 

 and up by Barscube. Leaving it on the left, he crossed the 

 burn and raced on by Corslie to Elphinstone, going through 

 the corner of which he came back very nearly the same line 

 to Knockmountain, where, I think, they must have changed 

 foxes, as I viewed a fresh one come down into the Kilmalcolm 

 Strips with the hounds. I hear they made nothing of it after 

 this. It was to be regretted, as the hounds deserved blood. 

 Time, fifty minutes, with hardly a check. Every one confessed 

 that Mr. D, Kippen, riding a new purchase, had the best of it 

 all through. 



" Oh, hour of bliss! 



To equal this 



Diana strove in vain ; 



Thrice happy man, 



Who, 'in the van,' 



His place can weU maintain." 



Ninirod. 



"Near to him, on his gray, who never rides jealous. 

 Cramming over his fences came the game Wallace ; 

 But his neck he must break, surely, sooner or late, 

 As he'd rather ride over than open a gate." 



Mr. Geo. Dunlop, Mr. Geo. Kidston, Mr. Thorburn (Greenock), 

 Mr. Hunt, Lord Blantyre's head-keeper, Mr. Couper, and 

 Squires went well. Many were the " cripples" after it was all 

 over, especially amongst the young 'uns, and great was the 

 demand for brandy and soda in the excellent little Kilmalcolm 

 Hotel. One word of advice to beginners. When your horse 



