316 ANIMALS OF THE 



In England, the hunting the stag and the buck 

 are performed in the same manner; the animal 

 is driven from some gentleman's park, and then 

 hunted through the open country. But those 

 who pursue the wild animal have a much higher 

 object, as well as a greater variety in the chase. 

 To let loose a creature that was already in our 

 possession, in order to catch it again, is, in my 

 opinion, but a poor pursuit, as the reward, when 

 obtained, is only what we before had given away. 

 But to pursue an animal that owns no proprietor, 

 and which he that first seizes may be said to pos- 

 sess, has something in it that seems at least more 

 rational j this rewards the hunter for his toil, and 

 seems to repay his industry. Besides, the supe- 

 rior strength and swiftness of the wild animal 

 prolongs the amusement ; it is possessed of more 

 various arts to escape the hunter, and leads him to 

 precipices where the danger ennobles the chase. 

 In pursuing the animal let loose from a park, as 

 it is unused to danger, it is out litt?^ versed in 

 the stratagems of escape ; the hunter follows as 

 sure of overcoming, and feels none of those alter- 

 nations of hope and fear which arise from the 

 uncertainty of success. But it is otherwise with 

 -the mountain stag: having spent his whole life 

 in a state of continual apprehension ; having fre- 

 quently been followed, and as frequently escaped, 

 he knows every trick to mislead, to confound, or 

 intimidate his pursuers ; to stimulate their ar- 

 dour, and enhance their success. 



Those who hunt this animal have their peculiar 

 terms for the different objects of their pursuit. 



