53 



when snow covers the ground, is the most favourable season for 

 this amusement. In spring the dogs are perplexed by the variety 

 of odours exhaled fi-om the flowers, but in autumn the effluvia of 

 the game are easily detected. 



In Britain is found a small species of dog, in size and form re- 

 sembling the domestic, table-courting race, but armed with formi- 

 dable claws, and strong serried teeth. They are known by the 

 name of Agassaean, and excel all others in the acutensss of their 

 smell, and the accuracy of their search. 



The mode in which the hunter should train his dog is next de- 

 scribed. He is recommended to take a hare in his arms, and 

 having gone to a distance, by a circuitous and involved path, to 

 bury it in the ground. The dog is then desired to find it ; until 

 he succeeds, he shews all the restlessness and anxiety of a young 

 woman, who, for the first time, is on the eve of parturition. The 

 simile is worthy of quotation. L. 494 — 501. 



Thus the young wife, assailed by pain and fear. 

 What time the tenth revolving moon is near 

 To hail her mother, — from her panting breast 

 Her gems unlooses, and unbinds her vest. 

 Her brows ungirt, loose floats her clustering hair. 

 As round and round she roves in sad despair. 

 To every room she tells her torturing pain ; 

 Now seeks her couch for rest, but seeks in vain. 

 Tlien low in dust some new position tries. 

 And tears her rosy cheeks, and utters piteous cries. 



The dog moves round every stone and clod, and leaves no place 

 unsearched. Wlien he succeeds he barks for joy, and skips like 



