1 86 THE MASTER OF GAME 



should check them with one of their rods, and when 

 she is started, blow, holloa and rout as before is said, 

 and according to what the case requireth, do as 

 before is said and devised. And when she hath 

 been well chased and well retrieved, notwithstanding 

 her rusing and squatting and reseating, so that by 

 strength at last she is bitten by the hounds, whoso is 

 nearest should start to take her whole from them, and 

 hold her in his one hand over his head high, and 

 blow the death that men may gather thither, and 

 when they be come, then should she be striked, all 

 save the head, and the gall and the paunch cast 

 away, and the remnant should be laid on a great 

 staff or on a board, whoso hath it, or on the earth, 

 and then it should be choked as small as it can be, 

 so that it hang together ; and when it is so done 

 then should one of the berners take it up with the 

 head and hold it as high as he is able in his hands, 

 and then whoso is most master, blow the death, and 

 anon as he beginneth every man help and holloa. 

 And when the hounds have bayed, as long as is 

 wished by the aforesaid most master, then should 

 the berner pull as high as he can every piece from 

 the other and cast to every hound his reward. And 

 then should the most master blow a mote and stroke, 

 if so be that he thinks that the hounds have done 

 enough, and else he should rest awhile, if the hounds 

 be hot, till they be cooled, and then led to the water 

 to lap. And then if he wish blow three motes and 



