IN THE LAND OF THE BORA. 181 



follow a sheep-track similar to the Dalmatian 

 ones. Meanwhile the dogs are hustling about, 

 but I have not seen any fresh stone-hen sign. 

 The hounds are busier and busier, till all at once 

 I see an old hare stealing off through the thorn- 

 bushes. A snap-shot is all it is, but I am relieved 

 to see both dogs dart to the spot and stay there. 

 They are soon pulled off, and puss transferred to 

 the bag. Presently they find another, but she 

 gives me no chance, and away they go full cry. 

 I stand to watch them, and, as I had expected, I 

 see a covey of stone-hens scatter before them. 

 Some I mark and follow up. The dogs being still 

 away, I walk cautiously and look sharply about. 

 One can generally see these birds running among 

 the rocks, but this time they have done me, for, 

 as at last the dogs come towards me, two rise a 

 long way behind. These must have run back. 

 Scent is fresh enough, and, the dogs pressing on, 

 I do the same, and so am fortunate enough to be 

 within range when a single bird rises, and get 

 him. " Leave it, you scoundrels." It is, perhaps, 

 a slight drawback to these merry little customers 

 that one must keep with them when they are 

 drawing upon birds. Of course they could be 

 taught to stand, as I believe they can be taught 

 anything but talk ; but then they would no longer 

 be the all-round dogs they are. This is a poor 

 result, one bird out of a covey ; but I have no 



