318 SLIPPING OF DEER-HOUNDS. 



should be strong, and regularly inspected every morning, 

 lest the dogs should break loose, disturb the cast, and ruin 

 your sport for the day. Guard against all carelessness of 

 this sort. 



The dogs should be led about a hundred yards behind 

 the deer-stalker; and the leash-man should stop when he 

 stops, and stalk him as he stalks the deer. Should the 

 herd come in sight, he had better get them to lie down in 

 a hole if possible, and put his handkerchief over their eyes, 

 or they will be apt to struggle or whine, and do irreparable 

 mischief. After the shots are fired, it is the man's duty 

 to run up with them in the leash, some few degrees 

 quicker than the American vessel, which was unsuccess- 

 fully chased by a flash of lightning. He then gives them 

 up to the forester, who lays one of them on, if there is 

 occasion ; one good dog being quite sufficient to bring a 

 wounded hart to bay. 



It may sometimes be requisite to slip a dog immediately : 

 for instance, if a hart is shot through the loins he will fall 

 prostrate, spring up again suddenly, and baffle a good dog 

 afterwards. There are certain other cases also when 

 despatch is necessary ; but, generally speaking, it will 

 be prudent to take time ; and the party had much better 

 lie down in the heather, and keep an eye on the wounded 

 deer through the telescope. If he is slightly wounded, it 

 is of no use to send a dog after him at all, unless he is 

 alone ; for he will get into the middle of the herd, and 

 keep there with enduring pertinacity ; and the thing will 

 just end by your losing him, and bringing a singularly 

 lean hind to bay : throwing away, by a moderate compu- 

 tation, two or three precious hours, and with them, perhaps, 



