300 NIMROD'S HUNTING TOUR 



called " a very near go." When he had run his fox to ground, he 

 coolly laid himself down on his back, and held up his heels to let 

 the water run out of his boots. I should like to see a picture of 

 him on another occasion similar to this, when he addressed the boys 

 on the bank to ascertain what injury a certain part of his clothes had 

 .met with in the water. I must not write what beauty would blush 

 to read, so dare not repeat the question asked, but it was a most 

 ludicrous one. For the same reason, I must suppress the answer he 

 made his brother Tom, who told him lie tlioiKjlit the fox was not 

 gone ''up wind;" but it will not be forgotten in Durham till time 

 shall be no more. 



I very much fear this gallant sportsman will one of these days 

 change time for eternity in his attempts to cross this rapid river. 

 Indeed, on his late escape, his brother Lozzij seriously admonished 

 him of the impending danger ; hwi all the notice taken of the 

 salutary hint was, "My life is my own, and / suppose I may do 

 what I like with it ! " 



A polish weakens the vigour of native powers. Eton and 

 Christchurch might have spoiled Matty Wilkinson, and deprived 

 him of his niche in the Temple of Fame. It is the native simplicity, 

 the original character, that pleases here, as the wilds of the forest 

 are superior to the parterres of the flower garden ; and there are on 

 record some most amusing and characteristic anecdotes of this 

 infatuated sportsman. As I have before stated, I cannot relate 

 them all, neither would one or two look w^ell in print. 



When Mr. Matthew Wilkinson's eldest brother was on his death- 

 bed, he was asked by a friend for the fixtures for the forthcoming 

 week. His reply was this : " Why, Tommy is very ill, and if Tommy 

 decs we can't hunt till Monday ; but, if Tommy don't dec, we shall 



hunt at on Friday." A brother sportsman died, and left 



Matty five pounds to purchase a black coat to his memory. Matty 

 purchased a red one, thinking thereby that he had shewn still 

 greater respect to his departed friend. 



It is but natural to suppose, that, fond as Mi'. Matthew Wilkinson 

 is of hounds, and having but a short kennel of them, he is very 

 much afraid of their being ridden over, not only in chase, but in 

 drawing over the country. A gentleman was one day very near 



