THE KING AND HIS RETINUE. 121 



the slightest apology from the offending party restored his 

 good humour. He descended from his carriage amidst a 

 crowd, who were always gathered to greet his arrival. All 

 the persons of distinction in the neighbourhood were present, 

 and were sure to meet with the most gracious reception. 



" Before the first battue commences, the king has a short 

 conference with his chief huntsman, receives information of 

 the whereabouts of wild boars, which it is his predilection to 

 attack alone and single-handed. If one is known to be near 

 the rendezvous, he starts immediately, in company only with 

 the gardes, who have marked down the beast ; and it was 

 a curious sight to observe him push his way through the 

 wood, and sometimes the most dense thickets, gliding gently 

 towards a spot indicated by the keepers, and discharge his 

 rifle, rarely without a fatal result. 



" When the animal was killed, it was brought before the 

 king, who examined it, judged of its age, and explained, as a 

 consummate connoisseur, all its peculiarities. If it was only 

 wounded, the dogs (hourets) were uncoupled and set upon its 

 traces. His Majesty followed on horseback until the boar 

 was brought to bay by the hounds, when he dismounted and 

 gave him the coup de grace. 



The king has returned to the spot where the crowd are 

 assembled, and gives orders for the commencement of the 

 battue. The Dauphin takes his place by the side of his 

 father; the officers of the suite follow. The king rides at a 

 foot's pace, in conversation with those about his person ; his 

 gaiety is infectious, and every one seems in good spirits. One 

 of the chief actors in this scene is Monsieur le Compte de 

 Girardin, the grand huntsman. His blue uniform has no dis- 

 tinguishing mark from the other cavaliers, but beneath that 

 exterior he hides an active and intelligent mind, and one pecu- 

 liarly adapted to the excellent administration of the depart- 

 ment of which he is the head. 



