1815.] OF HAMPSHIRE. 143 



is a most respectable yeoman and farmer by 

 the name of Smithers, who resides at 



Mr. Smithers. . 



bramdean, and who is as good a 

 sportsman, and as good a judge of hunting, as 

 the county of Hants can boast of. I have a 

 little anecdote to relate here concerning him. 



"Although I had seen Mr. Smithers out 

 several times with Mr. Villebois' hounds, yet 

 I did not know where he resided; but the 

 place of meeting being near his house, and the 

 morning dreadfully wet, I sought shelter for 

 myself and horses, without being aware of it, 

 in his yard. Seeing me enter it he came out 

 to meet me, and accommodated me with room 

 in his own stable. As soon as I entered it, 

 and saw his old cropped horse, I immediately 

 recognised him, and observed that c I hoped I 

 saw Mr. Smithers well.' 1 1 hope, also,' re- 

 plied he, 'that I see Mr. Nimrod well;' and 

 taking me to his house, gave me a hearty 

 welcome. No sooner was I seated by his fire, 

 than calling to his wife, he exclaimed, ' Come 

 here, my dear; here is Mr. Nimrod.' Never 

 shall I forget the reception I met with from 

 Mrs. Smithers. Her handsome black eyes 

 seemed to sparkle, and I almost think, that if 

 I had asked such a favour, she would not have 

 refused me a kiss. The hounds, however, ap- 



