J 18 REMINISCENCES OF A HUNTSMAN. 



mixed up in the approaching struggle. At the 

 eleventh hour, and just before the close of the poll, 

 word was brought ine that the canvassers of Mr. Pol- 

 hill had made free use of my name to my tradesmen, 

 and so obtained or neutralised several votes. On 

 this, I at once repaired to the scene of action, and, in 

 company with Lord John Russell, canvassed several 

 votes which were neutralised, among them, the vete- 

 rinary surgeon who attended my stables, and he 

 consented to vote for Lord John Russell, but was 

 afraid to go to the poll on account of Mr. Polhill's 

 people, that which is usually called " the mob " being 

 on Mr. PolhiU's side. Upon this, I assured him I 

 would answer for his safety, took him by the arm, 

 and saw him register his vote. The election con- 

 cluded by the return of Mr. W. H. Whitbread and 

 Mr. Polhill, the latter beating Lord John Russell by 

 five votes. Mr. Polhill then took umbrage at what 

 I had done, although the actions of his own can- 

 vassers called for it, and his tenants sent home every 

 puppy from their walks; on my reporting this atWo- 

 burn, those puppies were received by his Grace's 

 tenants. 



The summer passed pleasantly enough, and, on com- 

 mencing cub-hunting, foxes came infinitely quicker to 

 hand than they did the first season ; and we occasionally 

 killed two or three of a mornino:, which I could well 

 afford to do in the woodlands, the cubs having been 

 better preserved. A very near neighbour of mine, 

 Mr. Higgins, of a place called Turvey Abbey, I found 

 to be rabid against hounds and foxes ; indeed, I had 

 been warned to avoid his land as much as possible. 

 For a wonder, as they told me, he tolerated ray cross- 

 ing his estate more quietly than usual ; but he de- 



