CH. X.] SCRUPLES OVERCOME—“ FOX-HUNTER.” 135 
nance, but (like Oliver Twist) asked for more, and 
was ever afterwards happy to avail himself of any 
chance that threw an odd one in his way. 
As it may seem strange to English ears to 
hear that a fox-hunter should have been in a 
position to be thus cavalierly treated in respect 
of meats, it may be as well to inform the un- 
initiated that a “fox-hunter” in the Highlands 
means a person who is paid by the neighbouring 
farmers to rid the country of foxes. This he does 
in all kinds of unhandsome ways, by gun, by trap, 
and sometimes by a motley pack of “hounds” by 
which they are run to earth, being afterwards dug 
out or otherwise disposed of, if they have escaped 
being shot im transitu. The lively description 
in Guy Mannering of a hunt of this kind will be 
vividly in the recollection of all readers of Sir 
Walter Scott. 
Our Fox-hunter, during the summer and au- 
tumn months, when he was not busy about his © 
craft, gave us his valuable services as game- 
keeper, dog-feeder, and general factotum as well 
on water as land, assisting on the former in the 
boats when required. This last occupation how- 
ever he never took kindly to, considering it, I 
fancy, rather below his dignity, and looking upon 
