24 NATURAL HISTORY OF SELBORNE 



off, such fine chases were exhibited as served the country 

 people for matter of talk and wonder for years afterwards. 

 I saw myself one of the yeoman-prickers single out a stag 

 from the herd, and must confess that it was the most 

 curious feat of activity I ever beheld, superior to anything 

 in Mr. Astley's riding-school. The exertions made by the 

 horse and deer much exceeded all my expectations ; though 

 the former greatly excelled the latter in speed. When the 

 devoted deer was separated from his companions, they 

 gave him, by their watches, law, as they called it, for 

 twenty minutes ; when, sounding their horns, the stop- 

 dogs were permitted to pursue, and a most gallant scene 

 ensued. 



