16 THE GREYHOUND. 



like I shall, by the assistance of the keenest and most 

 experienced observers and writers on the subject, endeavour 

 to show; and whilst gladly sitting at the feet of modern 

 Gamaliels, will not slight the wisdom of the past, but will 

 offer gleanings from the works of old that may prove 

 both interesting and instructive to the tyro, although as a 

 tale that hath been told to many; and in defence of such 

 a course let me quote Geoffrey Chaucer : 



For out of the old fieldis, as men saith, 



Cometh all this new corn from year to year ; 



And out of olde bookis in good faith, 



Cometh all this new science that men lere. 



It will be unnecessary at this point to enter on any 

 lengthened dissertation on coursing as at present practised, 

 and it will suffice to say that the sport has, in fact, 

 lived down the old prejudices which existed against it, as 

 expressed in the words of Somerville, whose tastes pre- 

 ferred 



The musical confusion 

 Of Hounds and echo in conjunction ; 



and who, with unjust prejudice, penned an undeserved 

 censure against followers of the leash when he wrote : 



A different Hound for every different chase 

 Select with judgment ; nor the poor timorous hare, 

 O'er matched, destroy; but leave that vile offence 

 To the mean, murderous, coursing crew. 



I have no doubt, however, that Somerville, who was a 

 thorough sportsman, had in his mind when penning these 

 lines the poacher and currant- jelly courser, who do not 

 hesitate at the means, or how they o'ermatch the hare, so 



