Col. AnstrtUher Thomsons M aster sJiip. 179 



assembled to honour. The duty of a clergyman was not 

 only not to sanction but to blame what was positively 

 wrong; but at the same time not to be too severe with 

 those things which had not been positively forbidden by 

 Divine command. (Cheers.) He was about to say some- 

 thing which might create a smile, but he felt that there 

 was a connection between Natural Theology and Fox- 

 hunting-. {Laughter.) Did they expect that certain 

 instincts would be given to certain animals unless they 

 were designed to be exercised ? {Laughter and cheers.) 

 For instance^ there were the characteristics of the 

 retriever^ the pointer^ the St. Bernard dog, and the 

 foxhound, the latter of which brought to condign punish- 

 ment master Reynard the thief-, thereby giving them a 

 lesson in retributive justice.'' (^Laughter.) The remarks 

 of the rev. gentleman, being somewhat '^out of the 

 common/' caused considerable amusement. 



In a speech full of pertinent remarks and happy allu- 

 sions, the Chairman gave the health of the guest of the 

 evening. Alluding to the picture, he said, '^ It is a time- 

 tried tribute of respect, carrying with it the best wishes 

 of no fewer than three hundred and seventy-five gentle- 

 men, who have subscribed for it. It is a testimonial from 

 neighbours and friends in return for unceasing efforts to 

 promote the sport of fox-hunting, and it is as right for 

 me to say, as it will be gratifying to the recipient to 

 know, that the compliment originated among the large 

 class of Farmers whom he has done so much to make his 

 friends," &c. The picture, which had been veiled during 

 dinner, was exposed at the appropriate moment during 

 the Chairman's speech, and was received with loud and 

 vehement cheering, 



N 2 



