128 ON THE GRAMPIAN HILLS. 



this class of sporting it is rather a dull time whilst 

 waiting for a hare to be found. So far, therefore, I 

 admit the burthen of the song to be correct ; though 

 those who breed greyhounds and constantly follow the 

 sport become as ardent in pursuit of it as others are in 

 the case of the fox. One course is very like another, 

 the same speed and wily tact upon the part of the 

 hare, and the same exertion and hard striving on that 

 of the greyhounds to overtake her, in which contests 

 these stout marsh hares have, in two cases out of 

 three, the advantage of the greyhounds. 



After traversing a considerable amount of meadow 

 and ploughed land, climbing over innumerable and 

 awkward sets of posts and rails, crossing the wide 

 ditches, over narrow planks temporarily laid across, 

 which have to be got over with a step both " light 

 and true," again we heard the cry of " See-ho ! " 

 This time it is to be a trial of the two puppies ; and 

 Mr. Wilmot's white and Mr. Pain's brindled dogs are 

 placed in the leash. Then the hare is started, a little 

 law is given, and the greyhounds are slipped and go 

 at full speed ; now the white dog has the best of it, 

 then the brindle gives him the go-by ; the hare seems 

 to have the best chance, and, by doubling and availing 

 herself of every inch of advantage, finally eludes her 

 pursuers, and makes good her escape. These two 

 puppies are stout-running, fast, and enduring animals, 

 and with luck ought to grow into note. By this time 

 we had fully earned our luncheon, and, after a long 

 march in the fresh air, a sandwich and a glass of 

 sherry were acceptable, or, what was even more to the 

 taste of some, the brown crust, the rich old Stilton 

 cheese, and the good ale that was amply provided. 



