DISCRETION 143 



an artery. Perhaps it is so blown as to feel it must 

 fall in the effort you require, At any rate do not 

 persevere. Horses have been killed, and men also, 

 through a sentiment of sheer obstinacy that would 

 not be denied, and humanity should at least think 

 shame to be out-done in discretion by the brute. A 

 horse is a wise creature enough, or he could never 

 carry us pleasantly to hounds. An old friend of mine 

 used to say: "People talk about size and shape, 

 shoulders, quarters, blood, bone, and muscle, but for 

 ray part, give me a hunter with brains. He has to 

 take care of the biggest fool of the two, and think 

 for both ! " 



Discretion, then, is one of the most valuable qualities 

 for an animal charged with such heavy responsibilities, 

 that bears us happy and triumphant during the day, 

 and brings us safe home at night. Who would grudge 

 a journey across St. George's Channel to find this 

 desirable quality in its highest perfection at Ballinasloe 

 or Cahirmee? for indeed it is not too much to say 

 that whatever we may think of her natives, the most 

 discreet and sagacious of our hunters come over from 

 the Emerald Isle. 



