The First and Last Hounds in England. 335 



to follow in a cracker with tlie Cottesmore, or a 

 burster with the Belvoir. Similar disappointments 

 met me in other quarters, consequent on the severe 

 weather we have recently experienced. However, 

 what's the use of grumbling ? " Be patient, swains ; 

 these cruel-seeming winds blow not in vain." 



Under this adverse state of circumstances nothing 

 remains but to draw on recollection for ^^ A Day with 

 the First and Last Hounds in England,^' viz, the West 

 Cornwall Foxhounds, which hunt the " country '' in 

 the vicinity of the Land's End. Fortune having led 

 me thus far west a short time since, I took up my 

 quarters at Landithy, a farm adjacent to ^[ Madron 

 Church Town,'' a modest village situated some two 

 miles from Penzance. In order to while away the 

 time I went one day a-fishing in Trengwainton Ponds; 

 a head of water collected from the adjacent moorlands 

 and hills — a lovely spot, enclosed and planted with 

 noble rhododendrons and various flowering shrubs, 

 lying snugly amidst the almost mountainous hills that 

 are the great feature of this part of Cornwall. On 

 another, riding a marvellously ill-tempered cob over 

 hill, dale, and moor, on an expedition to the Gurnard's 

 Head, and though this ill-favoured animal did not 

 ^^ guide me in the path of honour and keep me from the 

 path of shame," still he led me into much trouble and 

 perplexity. 



Desiring a short repose, and no house of entertain- 

 ment — nor in fact any other sort of house except 

 a small farmstead — existing on the wide expanse of 

 moorland, I there asked permission to put up my 

 erratic steed for a while ; and leave being promptly 

 granted, I turned the beast loose into an empty cow- 

 house to enjoy a little rest and a frugal repast whilst 



