A POEM. 133 



Yourself and dogs. But here, I must observe, 

 Pointers, than Spaniels, are to be preferr'd ; 

 And if you do not wish your nerves to ruffle* 

 See that your men the latter always couple 

 When in the open field ; but when you beat 

 The thick plantations, let their nimble feet 

 Do all the work ; the couples now must grace 

 The Pointers' necks, who take the Spaniels' place : 

 For when both kinds you own, be sure you never,. 

 For any reason, let them work together, 

 As they'll each other spoil, and 'fore you've done 

 Sport for the day, you'll curse them ev'ry one. 



Pheasants do much delight to lie among 

 The ruffet of plantations that are young, 

 Till five or six years o'er the same have past ; 

 If unsuccessful elsewhere, here at last 

 You're sure to meet reward, and sport awhile, 

 If there are Pheasants within half a mile 

 Of such young cover ; for a rover wild 

 The cock is known to be, and oft beguil'd 



