38 ‘THE LIFE OF A FOX.

where there were no large woods or earths; but
I recollected that I had the wind for my only
guide, and went as if blown forward by it; so
that I could hear whether the hounds were fol-
lowing me, at a greater distance than if I had
gone against it; and besides this, it was more
difficult for them to smell the scent which was
lodged on the ground over which I had run, when
blown away from their noses, than when blown
towards them.

One circumstance occurred to check my joy,
namely the loss of my other brother, who had ac-
companied me in one of my midnight rambles into
the adjoining country near Hambledon; and (for
though so long ago as 1828, I well remember it)
we had been induced to swim across some -water
to an island situated in Rookesbury Park, belong-
ing to Mr. Garnier, on which it so happened there ~
was a nest of young swans; and although we did
not venture to touch them, the old ones were so
angry with us for our intrusion, that when we
attempted to quit the island, they would not allow

us to do so; but continued swimming backwards