RESTRICTIONS IN FOOD. 131 



these circumstances the balls are apt to take many un- 

 toward directions, such as are wholly unlooked for, and 

 not fitted to maintain his reputation. Very wanton courses 

 they will sometimes take, dabbing into a bog, or smacking 

 against a stone; the deer all the while scampering and 

 galloping away, freedom in their air, and independence in 

 their heels ! Already they have broken out of your cast 

 now theyjvanish over the hill and by the direction they 

 are taking, it grieves me to say that you are not likely to 

 see them again this untoward day. 



Having thus somewhat stinted my rifleman in his pota- 

 tions, it may possibly be inferred that I allow him to make 

 up for such abstinence in the article of substantial food. 

 This is a great mistake; I permit him to do no such 

 thing ; and most particularly do I restrict him at break- 

 fast. 



Should a deer-stalker eat and stuff? should he pamper 

 the inward man ? Shade of Abernethy forbid ! He 

 should go forth light and shapy as a gazelle; to restrict 

 him entirely from the venison pasty would be a cruelty 

 from which our indulgent nature is averse ; we wish to be 

 liberal in these matters, especially as the concern somewhat 

 touches ourselves; we would therefore say in the words 



of Gray 



" Go, but be moderate in your food, 

 A chicken too might do me good." 



He may dilute with tea and possess himself of a few 

 grapes to cool him. Peaches and nectarines may be put 

 in his pocket, because, as he will be sure to sit upon them, 

 they will do him no earthly harm, but rather confer a 

 benefit by moistening the outward man. But here I must 



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