HUNTING PARTY. 135 



the Colonel, who was not so keen for the 

 sport as myself. At last my watch announ- 

 ced half-past four o'clock ; I turned out, and 

 in the style of a true boatswain's mate, piped 

 all hands, and despatched the servants with 

 haste to prepare the breakfast, which was 

 concluded by day-break; when, mounting our 

 horses, we set forward to the chase, accom- 

 panied by about thirteen dogs of the lurcher 

 breed. The morning air was very keen, but 

 bracing, and auguring a fine day for our 

 sport. At first we ascended a steep accli- 

 vity, and on reaching the summit, saw the 

 mist and vapours dispersing from the valleys 

 beneath, whilst the sun rising gilded the 

 peaks of the mountains to the eastward. On 

 descending the hill, we arrived at cover, and 

 about eight o'clock succeeded in starting a 

 fine doe ; but being on the borders of a wood, 

 into which she dashed, we had much trouble 

 in driving her out, and she was then so 

 much a-head of the dogs, that she eventually 



