THE HOUND. 23 



dogs, it is far superior in combat both to the bull-dog and 

 the mastiff, exhibiting those characteristic qualities so much 

 to be admired in rational as well as irrational beings, 

 strength and courage combined with a peaceable dispo- 

 sition. 



Fox Hounds are also trained to hunt the stag ; and the 

 following anecdote records a proof of their perseverance 

 and spirit, in supporting a long continuance of vigorous ex- 

 ertion. A large stag having been turned out of Whinfield 

 park, in Westmoreland, was pursued until the whole pack 

 was thrown out except two staunch dogs, who continued 

 the chase. The stag finally returned to the park, made his 

 last effort in leaping over the wall, and having succeeded, 

 lie dropped and died. The foremost of the two hounds also 

 reached the wall, but being completely exhausted, it lay 

 down and immediately expired ; the other, unable longer 

 to continue the pursuit, fell down dead within a small dis- 

 tance of the place. It was ascertained that the distance 

 they had run could scarcely be less than a hundred and 

 twenty miles. 



This also shows to what brutal and contemptible em- 

 ployments those men will resort, who (in consequence of a 

 bad system) are enabled to live, as a sort of luxurious pau- 

 pers, on the proceeds of the labor of their overworked fel- 

 low beings. Idleness truly is the root of all evil. Here 

 are three animals worried to death for the amusement of 

 some mindless fellows, when, if the death of the one (the 

 stag) had been needed to furnish food, it could have been 

 done at first, quickly, and without this foolish and wicked 

 cruelty. 



