THE NOBLE SCIENCE. 221 



from my view of the case, unless I also adduce some- 

 thing, in shape of fact, to serve for the groundwork of 

 my own argument, and the foundation of such support. 

 I will, however, inflict only one more instance upon the 

 reader, in proof that the touch has neither more nor less 

 to do with the scent than I have already represented, 

 and that scent docs, instead of" does not, come from the 

 body." One instance, such as the following, is alone suf- 

 ficiently suitable to my purpose ; it was related to me, 

 very recently, by Lord Tavistock hinjself : — 



It not unfrequently happens, in parts of the Oakley 

 country, that the meadows are completely inundated by 

 the irrigations of old Ouse, when that winding river, 

 svvoUen by winter torrents, pays small deference to 

 the banks which form the prescribed boundaries of its 

 course. 



It is not in depth, but in extent, that these floods 

 offer any impediments to those wlio like to see where 

 they ride, however indifferent they may be to the 

 number of fathoms deep over which they are rowed. 

 This coverlid, although it may comprise some acres 

 on each side of the stream, is nothino- more than a 

 flowing sheet of water, thrown loosely off the bed of the 

 river, for the benefit of the alluvial soil within its pre- 

 cincts. It never has been, and, I trust, never will be, 

 any impediment to fox-hunting in that country, which, 

 taking it all in all, is inferior to none in Great Britain, 

 according to the opinion of those well qualified to pass 

 sentence upon its merits ; but be this as it may, upon 



