YORKSHIRE 267 



in Charlton whin, of eighteen acres, and killed. I know nothing 

 worthy of record on this day, unless it be that Billy Williamson 

 charged an impracticable brook, which The Barber went gallantly at, 

 and, falling backwards, reposed himself in it for about a quarter of 

 an hour ; iDut the next day afforded a day's sport worthy of a place 

 in the annals of fox-hunting, which it gives me unfeigned pleasure to 

 record ; for, being obliged to leave the Sedgefield country on the 

 following Thursday, I was afraid I should have quitted it without 

 witnessing a good specimen of what this clever pack of hounds could 

 accomplish. 



The hounds met at Long Newton, twelve miles from Sedgefield, 

 where a large field of well-mounted sportsmen were waiting their 

 arrival. Being a favourite fixture, there had been a strong muster of 

 Members on the preceding evening at the Club ; and I know not 

 why — for no oracle had been consulted — no favourable omen had 

 appeared — no prophetic dream had been related — but the cheering 

 words " we shall have a run to-morrow," proceeded from the lips of 

 everyone. "By the Lord, Nimrod," said Billy Williamson, "but 

 your condition will be tried to-morrow, for we shall find a good fox 

 in a deep country." 



The morning was fine ; and, as we rode to covert, I thought I saw 

 more than a common degree of cheerfulness expressed in each man's 

 countenance. As for myself — as I often do on this occasion — I felt 

 a buoyancy of heart quite incompressible ; and I might well have 

 exclaimed, 



" My bosom's lord sits lightly on his throne." 



But who will say he does not at times feel some presage of the 

 future ? I cannot say so ; I had rather yield to the extravagance of 

 the Poet, and declare with him — 



" I know not how it is ; 

 But a foreboding presses on my heart 

 At times until I sicken. — I have heard, 

 And from men learn'd, that before the touch 

 (The common coarser touch) of good or ill, 

 That oftentimes a subtler sense informs 

 Some spirits of the approach of 'things to be.' " 



I very much liked the country about Long Newton. It was dirty 



