Chapter VIII: Part II: March 5th, 1811

Next day to the Thatchmeadows, I
(The forest skirts to scour)
Coldrife, and Quarryhouse pass’d by,
To Newbiggin’s bleak moor:
Bullbush, Blueburn, and Blagdon Brakes,
I carefully did scan;
But none on these extensive tracts,
Were seen by any man.

Ward’s Intake, Hut, and Shepherd’s Shield,
Coldside, and Moralhurst;
By Forestburn, and Meadowfield,
To Holyhill I cours’d:
Hence Lordenshaws, and Garlyside,
Crook, Loaning, Stewardshill;
But disappointments did preside,
O’er expectations still.

By the Sheephurst, to Brockleyhall,
And Turnbull’s steed I steer’d;
And at each peasant’s cot did call,
That in my path appear’d:
To the Two Raws, and Butterknows,
I posted on with speed,
Where I was told some of my ewes
Cross’d Coquet at Craghead.

Resolv’d the south side first to seek,
I rang’d that rocky hill,
’Till I explor’d the ’Squires Peak;
Herd’s House, and Little Mill,
By Wagtailhall, and Sandyheughs,
To Rothbury then did ride;
To feed, refresh, and hear what news;
Then search the other side.

Hence by Knocklaw, and Tumbleton,
And ev’ry scatter’d cot,
Through Debdon Dale--and I anon
By Wintercove did trot,
To Rimside Inn, to bait and bouse;--
From Framlington, Blacksow,
To Flambrohead, and Wholluphouse,
But could not find a ewe.

From Frostyfolds, to Whitefield House,
Chilhope, and Cragend Scars,
Where they and lambs might lurk recluse,
Unless rous’d unawares;--
By Healy, Hope, Lynn, and Woodhead,
To Healycoat I trudg’d,
To Cockshot, Brinkburn, and Todstead,
Where for that night I lodg’d.