98 :nimrod's hunting tour 



circumstance well worth recording. In the year 1816 Mr. Fellowes's 

 hounds were running their fox with a very high scent over Mr. Buller's 

 park at New-place near King's-nympton, when he crossed the South- 

 molton road. Stephen — then riding nearly seventeen stone — charged 

 the fence at the end of the park ; but when his horse got upon the 

 bank (the fence being a double one), he found, that instead of 

 " going in and out clever," if once he got in he should never come 

 out, as the drop into the road was tremendous, and it was newly 

 covered with fresh-broken stone. Dreadnought,''' however, was not 

 to be daunted ; but Stephen exclaimed, " no go ! " so catching hold of 

 a larrjc bough of a tree (a small one would have availed him but 

 little), which fortunately himg over his head, he suffered his horse 

 to leap from under him, and so preserved his. life. 



The following Poem, describing a run with Mr. Fellowes's hounds, 

 was given to me during my stay in Devonshire, and I present it as 

 a " tale well told." The verse is smooth and melodious — the events 

 faithfully described — the language correct and sporting, and quite 

 in the epic style. 



A DAY WITH THE EGGESFORD (1) HOUNDS. 



Long had the stifE'ning frost display'd its force, 

 And check'd the sport of man, of hound, of horse ; 

 The boist'rous east-wind long with chilling blast 

 In icy bands had tied the waters fast ; 

 And Winter, from his cavern in the north. 

 In hoary majesty had issued forth ; 

 Asserted over nature's face his right. 

 And clad the regions in a robe of white : 

 Stout Dawson (2) even stood aghast, and cried, 

 " Gude faith ! it ne'er was caulder on Tweed-side ! " 

 At length th' advancing season of the year 

 Brought warmer weather and a softer air ; 

 And Spring's mild breezes, whisp'ring through the woods, 

 Bade roll the rivers, and unchain'd the floods. 

 ■ Rejoiced the Squire of EggesfnrcVs (3) wide domain ! 

 Rejoiced both he and all his hunter train ! 



* The horse he rode. 



1 The seat of the Hon. Newton Fellowes, near Chulmleigh, Devon. 



2 A Scotch Bailiff, remarkable for his portly person. 



3 The Hon. Newton Fellowes. 



