CHASE OF THE WILD RED DEER 15 



before the ample fire, the huntsman dozed away 

 his evening, and killed his deer again ; while 



' The Staghounds weary with the chase, 

 Lay stretched upon the rushy floor, 

 And urged in dreams the forest race 

 From Castle Hill to wild Ex moor.'' 



' Tout again retired to " his own place." ' 



The drinking of the toast in the fashion above- 

 mentioned, probably had its origin in an ancient 

 form of a more elaborate character. This is 

 described by an able writer, now no more, known 

 to all sportsmen under the ' nom de plume ' of 



