The badger-skin pouch was used for carrying ammunition.
In the Nicol forest woods.—P. 254. v. 3.
A wood in Cumberland, in which Suport is situated.
For I hae a' the fords o' Liddel set.—P. 255. v. 1.
Watching fords was a ready mode of intercepting the marauders; the names of the most noted fords upon the Liddel are recited in this verse.
And thro' at Fargy Grame's gap.—P. 256. v. 1.
Fergus Grame of Sowport, as one of the chief men of that clan, became security to Lord Scroope for the good behaviour of his friends and dependants, 8th January, 1602.—Introduction to History of Westmoreland and Cumberland, p. 111.
Wi' his sleuth dog sits in his watch right sure.—P 256. v. 1.
The centinels, who, by the march laws, were planted upon the border each night, had usually sleuth-dogs, or blood-hounds, along with [256] them.—See Nicolson's Border Laws, and Lord Wharton's Regulations, in the 6th of Edward VI.
Of the blood-hound we have said something in the notes on Hobbie Noble; but we may, in addition, refer to the following poetical description of the qualities and uses of that singular animal: