98 The Gamekeeper at Home. 



lawful expedition of this kind is most amusing. She 

 makes her appearance on the road or footpath so as 

 not to look as if coming from the hedges, and enters 

 at the back ; or if any movement be going on, as the 

 driving of cattle, she will join in it, displaying ex- 

 traordinary zeal in assisting : anything to throw off 

 suspicion. 



Of all sport, if a man desires to widen his chest, 

 and gain some idea of the chase as it was in ancient 

 days, let him take two good greyhounds and 'un- 

 couple at the timorous flying hare,' following himself 

 on foot. A race like this over the elastic turf of the 

 downs, inhaling with expanded lungs air which acts 

 on the blood as strong drink on the brain, stimulating 

 the pulse, and strengthening every fibre of the frame, 

 is equal to another year of life. Coursing for the 

 coursing's sake is capital sport. A hare when sorely 

 tried with the hot breath from the hounds' nostrils on 

 his flanks, will sometimes puzzle them by dashing 

 round and round a rick. Then in sweeping circles 

 the trio strain their limbs, but the hare, having at the 

 corners the inner side and less ground to cover, easily 

 keeps just ahead. This game lasts several minutes, 

 till presently one of the hounds is sharp enough to 

 dodge back and meet the hare the opposite way. 

 Even then his quick eye and ready turn often give 



