THE llLA'-K-r AILED AND VIRGINIA DEF.li. 345 



ion, one of the best of its family for giving the dogs a run 

 that will test their pace and staying power. 



Having cleansed the last animals, we suspended them 

 from trees and left that section, as we presumed that the 

 dogs had scared away all the deer in the immediate vicin- 

 ity. We had not proceeded half a mile, however, before a 

 fine buck leaped out of a glade in front of us, but the guide 

 brought him down before he had gone thirty paces. A lit- 

 tle farther, and another full-grown stag bounded from his 

 foliaceous retreat and dashed away, with the hounds in full 

 cry behind him. 



" No use running after him," said the guide ; " he'll go 

 for the hills; so we had better wait here until the dogs 

 lose him, and then go for another." 



We sat down accordingly, like men who were powerless, 

 and devoted half an hour of our time to discussing the 

 points of each dog, according as we distinguished its rich 

 notes echoing through the soughing forest, and the merits 

 of cigars that would not burn. In a short time we heard 

 new canine Richmonds in the field, and, as they were ap- 

 proaching us, we jumped to our feet and eagerly ran for 

 cover, for we expected the quarry at any moment. We 

 waited about five minutes, when a buck dashed past ; but 

 ere he could disappear, four barrels had sent their contents 

 into his palpitating sides, and he fell, crying piteously. Be- 

 fore we could reach him the hounds had throttled him, and 

 were fighting for a mouthful of his tender flesh. We soon 

 appeased their hunger, however, by giving them the. en- 

 trails, and they threw their wearied bodies on the ground 

 beside their prey, while we prepared it for transportation. 



As the day was declining, we concluded to return home ; 

 for we were well content with our day's amusement, which 

 enabled us to enjoy some fine runs, and at the same time 

 to reap the reward of vigilance. As soon as our own dogs 

 were assembled, we hired a farmer's wagon to take the 

 trophies to town ; and in the evening, over a dish of savory 

 venison, washed down with some Veuve Clicquot, we dis- 

 cussed the events of the day, and brought from the per- 



15* 



