38 FIELD-NOTES FOR THE YEAR. CH. XXII. 



self down gradually and quietly the moment he sees 

 me look in his direction. But my dog has got the 

 scent; and off he goes in a vain pursuit. Tractable 

 and well broken as he is with regard to game, no 

 sooner does he perceive the inciting odour of a fox 

 or otter, than, heedless of call or threat, he is off in 

 pursuit. Look now ! away goes the fox at a quick 

 but easy gallop, through the swamp, with his tail 

 (Anglicb brush) well up in the air. A fox is always 

 a great dandy about his brush ; and keeps it free 

 from wet and dirt as long as he possibly can : a sure 

 sign of poor Eeynard beginning to feel distressed 

 is his brush appearing soiled and blackened. Ah ! 

 the dog has got on his scent again, and begins to 

 press hard on his hated foe ; but as I well know 

 he has not the slightest chance against the light- 

 heeled fox, who is always in racing condition, 

 whereas the retriever, with his curly coat and good 

 living, will be blown before he has run a mile. 

 I continue my walk. Presently the dog returns 

 panting like a porpoise ; and conscious of his irre- 

 gular conduct, before he takes Ms usual place at 

 my side, stops behind a little while, wagging his 

 tail, and grinning in the most coaxing manner 

 imaginable, till he has examined my face with that 

 skill in physiognomy which all dogs possess ; 

 then seeing that I cannot help smiling at him, 



