26 The Lanarkshire and Renfrezvshire Hunt. 



at Finlaystone, when the full-length portrait of Mr. George J. Kidston, 

 now completed by Sir George Reid, was formally handed over by the 

 Master on behalf of the members of the Hunt. There was a very numerous 

 assemblage, and highly complimentary remarks were bestowed upon an old 

 and generous supporter of Renfrewshire fox-hunting, when he was also 

 handed a cheque as the surplus of the fund subscribed. Mr. Kidston 

 intimated that this would be devoted to a fund for the benefit of the sport. 

 The hunting which followed was appropriate to the occasion, and the best 

 run of the day was had from Elphinstone. Hounds hunted merrily by 

 Kirkton and Wraes, to go on by Botherickfield and Ennelly, over Napps 

 Muir down to the River Gryffe, at the edge of Duchal policies. From here 

 the fox turned back by Scart and Gryffe Castle, to the right of Botherick- 

 field, up to Wraes again, where he gained refuge in a rabbit burrow. Time, 

 one and a half hours, with only two slight checks. 



In referring to each season I can only give a description of a few of the 

 best runs, as I am afraid the patience of readers might be taxed with a 

 volume of geographical detail. Coming to 21st February, there was a really 

 great hunt, which was at the time measured on the map to be of 19J miles, 

 and the time two and a half hours. There was only a small field out on this 

 day at Pollok Castle, and the Master decided upon a long trot to Fereneze 

 Muir, as there was a good deal of frost in the ground and it was rather 

 dangerous going around here. Just outside Caldwell Law they found a 

 tough old fox, and I give a brief survey of the course taken. After 

 passing through Caldwell Law and taking a detour by Hartfield Moss, 

 they ran through Caldwell big wood to emerge from here on the Lugton 

 side. Then over Ayrshire territory for Dunlop and nearly to Aiket Wood. 

 They then kept to the left of Lainshaw policies — recently acquired by our 

 new Master — and carried the line by Water Plantation close to Stewarton, 

 where they lost their fox at a farm steading. 



Fairly good sport was associated with the opening stages of season 

 1 905- 1 906, and there was a fine stock of foxes nearly all over the country 

 at this time. Of the several enjoyable runs vouchsafed one of the best was 

 on 13th January, and Knockmountain was once again responsible for a 

 rare old fox. After going towards Barscube Hill, hounds turned to the 

 right over Mid Glen by Dr. Brown's coverts to Craig Marloch, thence by 

 Bardrainy and Midhill back to Knockmountain — a rather nice circuit of 



