THE SPORTSMAN IN FRANCE. 239 



ourselves, we were in excellent working 

 condition, as well as our dogs. 



Grouse-shooters are of course aw^are 

 that flags are planted on the ridges of 

 the hills, or any eminences, to point out 

 where the springs are, in order that the 

 sportsmen and dogs may enjoy the 

 necessary refreshment. Many were the 

 unhappy objects I beheld on the day 

 I am recording, who were dead beat 

 before twelve o'clock, and the dogs were 

 in an equally deplorable plight with their 

 owners : even the few who were resolute 

 enough to persevere after their temporary 

 rest, did little more than frighten a pack 

 or two of grouse ; for the dogs, from the 

 want of common foresight and precau- 

 tion, not having been exercised, were 

 fairly knocked up, and could not be pre- 

 vailed upon to leave the heels of their 

 masters, in spite of all the " damns," 

 *^hold ups," and ''hie away, Carlos !" 



