THE GREYHOUND. 151 



Ancient methods of coursing. 



In coursing deer in the forest, or purlieu, two 

 ways were used ; the one coursing from wood to 

 wood, and the other upon the lawn by the keep- 

 ers' lodges. In the first, some hounds were 

 thrown into tlie cover to drive out the deer, whilst 

 the greyhounds were held ready to be slipt where 

 the deer was expected to break ; if the deer were 

 were not of a proper age and size, the dogs were 

 not let loose ; and if, on the other hand, he broke 

 at too great a distance, or were otherwise deemed 

 an overmatch for one brace, it was allowable to 

 way-lay him with another brace of fresh grey- 

 hounds. 



For the coursing upon the lawn, the keeper 

 had notice given him, and he took care to lodge 

 a deer fit for the purpose, and by sinking the 

 wind of him, there was no danger of getting near 

 enough to slip the greyhounds, and having a fair 

 course. 



In coursing the fox, no other art was ne- 

 cessary but to get the wind, and stand close 

 on the outside of the wood, where he was ex- 

 pected to come out, and to give him law enough, 

 or he instantly returned back to the cover ; the 

 (slowest greyhounds were speedy enough to over- 

 take him ; and all the hazard was, the fox spoil- 

 ing the dog, which frequently happened; for the 

 most part, the greyhounds used for. this course 

 were hard-bitten dogs, that would seize any 

 thing. 



The invincible ardour and determined progress 



