1909-1910-] ^ Day with the Otter Hounds. 225 



which appear each year in his Cat almanac ? The number 

 of picture post- cards which show cats and kittens in all 

 positions and conditions testifies to the universal hold which 

 this animal has on the art-loving public. 



In conclusion, if I have stirred up any feelings of interest 

 in this domestic pet, I shall feel satisfied. Interest leads to 

 inquiry ; inquiry into possession ; possession into love. 



[This paper was illustrated by numerous lantern slides.] 



VI.— ^ DAY WITH THE OTTER HOUNDS. 



By Mr GEORGE CLELAND. 



{Read March 23, 1910.)^ 



My summer holiday of 1909, like many another, was spent at 

 Melrose. This holiday I was fortunate in being present at a 

 hunt on the Tweed by the Dumfriesshire Otter Hounds, under 

 that well-known enthusiast, Mr Davidson, who hunts in this 

 district by the invitation of the local club. The hunt, which 

 I am to say a few words on and exhibit lantern slides of, met 

 one morning last August at Dryburgh, near the Suspension 

 Bridge, and the residence of that grand old worthy, the late 

 Tom Fox (died January 23, 1910). From there, hunting 

 down the river, the dogs, under the guidance of the huntsman 

 and his assistant, " Joe," made several crossings of the Tweed, 

 accompanied by some enthusiastic followers, myself amongst 

 the number. Within the first hour, from an old tree-root 

 opposite Lessudden, three otters were bolted, two going up the 

 river and one down. The latter was followed. Now the 

 excitement was very keen ; the otter was often seen, sometimes 

 surrounded by dogs and men ; indeed it appeared to remain 

 above the water until a dog was about to snap or grip it, when 

 it would dive under the dogs and would be lost for some 

 minutes until it was observed rising to vent. From bolting 

 the otter until killed over two hours were passed, following it 



