THOUGHTS UPON HUNTING. I^j 



concerning that diversion, I shall prosecute my attempt in 

 such a manner as 1 think may suit your purpose best. As 

 1 fear it may read ill, it shall not be long. — A gentleman, 

 to whose understanding Na;ure had most evidently been 

 sparing of her gifts, as often as he took up 4 book and met 

 with a passage which he could not comprehend, was used to 

 write in the margin opposite, matiere emhroidlUe^ and g-ve 

 himself no further concern about it. As different causes 

 have been known to produce the same effeds, should yoii 

 treat me in like manner, I shall think it the severest censure 

 that can be passed upon me. Our friend Someiville, I ap- 

 prehend, was no great fox-hunter; yet all that he says on the 

 subject of hunting is so sensible and just, that I shall turi) 

 to his account of fox'-hunting, and quote it where I can. 

 The hour most favourable to the <^«rsion, is certainly an 

 early one ; nor do 1 think I can fix it better than to say, 

 the hounds should be at the cover at sun-rising. Let us sup- ^W7^ 

 pose that we are arrived at the cover-side. Jtut^^irj, 



*' . Delightful scene ! 



Where all around is gay, men, horses, dogs ; 

 And in each smiling countenance appears 

 Fresh blooming headth, and universal joy." 



SOMERVILl.E. 



