i68 CHASE OF THE WILD RED DEER 



In smaller rills disparted, as it flows 



Propelled, the serous particles evade 



Thro' the open pores, and, with the ambient air 



Entangling, mix. . . . 



The panting chase grows warmer as he flies. 



And through the network of the skin perspires, 



Leaves a long streaming trail behind , • • • 



To every shrub the warm effluvia cling. 



Hang on the grass, impregnate earth and skies. 



With nostrils opening wide, o'er hill, o'er dale, 



The vigorous hounds pursue, with every breath 



Inhale the grateful steam. Quick pleasures string 



Their tingling nerves, while they their thanks repay. 



And in triumphant melody confess 



The titillating joy.' * 



That the objection urged against the hunting of 

 deer in autumn, on the grounds of the exhaustion 

 and fatigue caused to horses, is not without founda- 

 tion, I freely confess. A man who intends to ride 

 to hounds over the moor cannot have a horse too 

 fast or too enduring. He requires also a horse well 

 up to his weight, thoroughly seasoned, and without an 

 ounce of superfluous flesh upon him. Moreover, let 

 him, if possible, have a steed accustomed to deep 

 ground. I have in a former chapter stated that 

 nothing is more likely to mar a gentleman's sport on 

 the moor than a struggle in a bog, and I have seen 

 many a man who has been wholly unable to com- 



* Bk. I., 1. 324, i'/ sf^. 



