CHASE OF THE WILD RED DEER 167 



over (though the rain had been heavy), and what is 

 more, recovered their deer ; yet such a storm and 

 check would have been fatal to a run with foxhounds 

 or harriers. In the autumn of 1859, we ran a hind 

 from the Hawkridge coverts four miles across the 

 moor, against a wind accompanied by heavy rain, 

 which rendered it difficult for horse or man to make 

 any way ; yet the deer, though not severely pressed, 

 faced it, and made her point, to the moor near 

 Sherdon Hutch, where she took soil and was lost. 



When we consider how much scent is imparted 

 by the smaller beasts of chase, it is not surprising 

 that a large and heavy animal like the deer should 

 leave upon his track the taint by which his foes are 

 enabled to follow his flying footsteps, and pursue 

 him with unerring instinct to his doom. Without 

 myself attempting a disquisition upon the odoi'a 

 canmn vis, I shall let the poet sportsman, whose 

 ' Chase ' every hunter has read, expound his theory. 



'Should some more curious sportsman here enquire 

 Whence this sagacity, this wondrous pow'r 

 Of tracing step by step, or man or brute : 

 What guide invisible points out their way 

 O'er the dark marsh, bleak hill, and sandy plain ? 

 The courteous use shall the dark cause reveal. 

 The blood that from the heart incessant rolls 

 In many a crimson tide, then here and there 



