HORSES AND HOUNDS. 395 



the unalloyed excitement — the calm, luxurious solitude, 

 which I found among their wastes. What has re- 

 finement to offer me in exchange ? Will the over- 

 stocked preserve replace the moorland chasey with its 

 glorious ridge of purple highlands — its silver lake, 

 and sparkling river — my wild followers — my tried 

 friends — and the dear cabin and its snowy tent, peeping 

 from the dark expanse of heather, like a white sea-bird 

 from the lap of ocean } Alas ! nothing will compensate 

 for these — or give me an equivalent for the joyous inter- 

 course with kindred spirits, which I reaHzed and left 

 in the wilds of Ballycroy. 



THE END, 



