THE SHIFTS OF THE HAKE 127 



doubtful of the scent ; l nor give them much encourage- 

 ment ; but when a hit is made on either side, you 

 may halloo as much as you please ; nor can you then 

 encourage your hounds too much. A hare generally 

 describes a circle as she runs ; larger, or less, 

 according to her strength and the openness of the 

 country. In inclosures, and where there is much 

 cover, the circle is, for the most part, so small, that it 

 is a constant puzzle to the hounds. They have a 

 Gordian knot, in that case, ever to unloose ; and 

 though it may afford matter of speculation to the 

 philosopher, it is always contrary to the wishes of 

 the sportsman : — such was the country that I hunted 

 in for many years. 



Huntsman ! her gait observe : if in wide rings 

 She wheel her mazy way, in the same round 

 Persisting still, she'll foil the beaten track. 

 But if she fly, and with the fav'ring wind 

 Urge her bold course, less intricate thy task : 

 Push on thy pack. — SOMERVILLE. 



Besides running the foil, they frequently make 

 doubles ; which is going forward, to tread the same 

 steps back again, on purpose to confuse their 

 pursuers ; and the same manner in which they make 

 the first double, they generally continue, whether long 

 or short. This information, therefore, if properly 

 attended to by the huntsman, may be of use to him 

 in his casts. 



When they make their double on a high road, or 



[* Hares are very fond of running roads, and many are lost thereby. 

 A good road hound is invaluable, but it is very few that develop this 

 instinct, and then not before the fourth or fifth season.] 



