144 SPORTING IN BOTH HEMISPHERES. 



At length the final scene arrives the stag stands at bay 

 near an angle of an ancient wall in the forest of Meudon. 

 He is surrounded by the hounds ; around them are collected 

 the piqueurs, who sound the " mort," the king, the dauphin, 

 and the officers of the chasse; a third and vast circle is 

 formed by more than two hundred horsemen, and an im- 

 mense crowd of pedestrians. This is the hallaa. 



The king descends from his horse, receives the carabine 

 from the hands of M. de Omfrais, and with one shot puts an 

 end to the struggles of the poor stag. 



Amidst the sound of horns, the head piqueur cuts off the 

 deer's foot, and gives it to the commandant, who brings it 

 to the grand huntsman, who in his turn presents it with a 

 profound bow, and hat in hand, to the king. 



The king uncovers himself when he receives it. 



The tongue of the stag is also extracted. 



This is the final act, as established by ancient usages and 

 regulations. 



His majesty was satisfied, and expressed his satisfaction to 

 the commandant of the chasse. 



The dog-keepers proceed to dismember the stag, and after 

 having cut away the fillets, and such portions as are destined 

 for the use of the commandant, and each of the officers of the 

 hunt, they cover the carcase with a cloth. 



During this operation the hounds are kept under restraint, 

 and when it is finished, the commandant, turning towards the 

 animal, stretched upon the earth, gives the signal for the curee. 



The horns sound again. 



It is your turn now, my brave hounds; and in a few 

 moments nothing is left but a crushed and broken skeleton, 

 not one small morsel of flesh. 



The retreat is sounded, and the dogs, with their muzzles 

 all crimsoned from their late repast, are recoupled, and take 

 the road to Versailles. 



