158 TOUR IN SUTHERLAND. CH. X. 



development. At the same time they are sadly 

 inclined to sheep killing and other mischief : most 

 dogs learn this fault at first by being allowed to go 

 about amongst very young lambs, which are in- 

 variably tempting objects of pursuit to wild and 

 mischievously-disposed puppies. 



I am much inclined to crossing the deer-hound 

 with the mastiff or fox-hound. The former I pre- 

 fer as giving strength and determination in seizing 

 and holding a stag. This cross, too, imparts to the 

 disposition of the dog a kind of bloodthirstiness 

 which is invaluable in tracking and pursuing 

 wounded deer, and this is the principal use of all 

 deer-hounds. No forest will bear too frequent 

 coursing ; the deer will take themselves off to 

 quieter ground without fail, being far more effectu- 

 ally scared away by the hound than by the rifle. 



