" THE COTTESMORE IN 1826." 37 



their heads pointing for Market Overton, below 

 which village they cross the Oakham canal for 

 Teigh and the far-famed Whissendine, whose waters 

 are too well known to all frequenting those parts to 

 need any description from me. To those who do 

 not know the locality, I may just remark that Whissen- 

 dine, when a " bumper," takes some negotiating. 



It is not, however, my intention here to attempt 

 to get over it, or to tell of the various mishaps that 

 occurred. Suffice it to say that, though some got 

 over, many got in, and some would not have it at 

 all. Amongst the rest was our friend the parson, 

 who much against his will, having his funeral in 

 view instead of the fox, most reluctantly turned his 

 horse's head when he found that he would be 

 obliged to face the shining river if he went a field 

 further on, and possibly would have to ride home, 

 about fourteen miles, and perform the melancholy duty 

 that he feared he should be late for, with his breeches' 

 pockets full of water. Keen as he was by nature, and 

 fearing nothing, either in the shape of fire or water, 

 still having a certain kind of awe of the Bishop, should 

 he hear of him performing his duties in his spurs and 

 wet clothes, he malgrd lui had to call discretion to his 

 aid, for no one could doubt his valour, and rode off 



