434 



FOX-HOUND, FOREST, AND PRAIRIE. 



the cool shade — and here were they suddenly pointed out by 

 our guide, not a hundred yards from the grass riding we 

 followed ! One was a noble fellow, his horns branching proudly 



''iS^,-(X '£ 



from either coronet, as he faced us in surprise rather than 

 fear ; the others two fine young bucks that, well, would have 

 graced a larder though they had hardly yet grown to the- 

 dignity of fitness for the chase. (" Oh, for my saddle-Win- 

 chester!" was the sacrilegious prayer that jumped instantly 

 and all inappropriately into my backwoodsman-brain. Oh for 

 "fresh meat" for a week! I think I could have had them 

 all three — though I might have spared that grand old buck 

 for his dignity and his probable toughness.) The huntsman 

 (his mind on venerie not on venison) fairly feasted on the big 

 buck for a dumb half minute, then quietly sauntered towards 

 them with his tufters. Round went the three sets of antlers ;. 

 up went three white woolly tails (not brushes ; I believe, gentle 

 foresters ?) ; and away through the pine-trees glanced the deer,, 

 with hounds at their very flanks. It may be merry to ride; 



