THE HARE AND HER TROD 67 



is, what he calls, the far-famed poacher's dog, the true 

 Norfolk lurcher, originall)' a cross between the grey- 

 hound for speed and the retriever for scent and work, 

 but now a recognised breed, and often again crossed 

 with the greyhound. I have no doubt that this may 

 be quite correct as regards Norfolk. It would not 

 apply to the Northern poacher's dog. 



One of the most accomplished poachers that I 

 have interviewed so far is a native of Penicuik ; he 

 is also one of the sagacious gentlemen who used to 

 return Mr. Gladstone to represent Midlothian. I am 

 bound to say that his adherence to a Radical creed has 

 not hindered this Midlothian poacher from killing 

 hares in Lord Rosebery's preserves ; at least he told 

 me that he had enjoyed prime sport at his Lordship's 

 expense, and was quite ready to pay his hares another 

 visit. I consulted him as to the best dog for a 

 poacher, and his reply was that Mr, L'Aigle Cole was 

 not quite up to date. Lurchers had had their day 

 and had lost their popularity : ' The preference dog 

 for a poacher is a Bedlington ; he is good for a furze 

 bush or anything else.' He then proceeded to tell 

 me, in his rambling fashion, about the serious annoy- 

 ances that poachers have to put up with. Not the 

 least danger of night poaching is the yelping of the 

 poacher's dog, if he has one ; yet it is difficult to 



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