168 SPORTING IN BOTH HEMISPHERES. 



They carry their noses to the ground upon entering the 

 wood; they hunt down wind, and evidently work without 

 ardour. The huntsman explains the reason of it. There 

 is scarcely any scent ; but he does not lose courage, and 

 rallies and excites them with horn and voice. The comman- 

 dant, who has tried to catch a sight of the beast, anticipates 

 no luck from such a beginning ; however, the hunt continues. 



The rush of an animal is heard, and warning is given to 

 the hunters on the open rides of the forest; but the beast 

 has gained too much in advance, the (logs can only take up 

 the scent every now and then, and an hour is spent in cold 

 hunting and checks. The king becomes very impatient at 

 the almost incomprehensible delay in the chasse ; there must 

 be some cause, and, indeed, it was not long in declaring 

 itself. 



The hounds have again taken up the scent, and are now 

 giving tongue in chorus. At length a sight of the animal is 

 obtained. It was no stag, but a very large old hind. 



Then arose a chorus of cries and imprecations, whip- 

 cracking, and horn blowing, enough to break the tympanum 

 of any ears unaccustomed to similar sounds. 



The king having heard of what had taken place had great 

 difficulty in concealing his ill-humour. He ordered the 

 valet de limier who had made the report to be sent before 

 him, and whose mistake, at the same time, had so well 

 assisted the secret designs of M. de Girardin to cut short 

 the hunting party. 



" What does this mean ?" said the king. 



"Sire, I mistook a brehaigne* for a stag. She has a 

 regular stag's foot, and the revoir^ was so bad this morning 

 that the king himself might have been mistaken." 



" Why did you not examine the portees ?" 



* An old barren doe. *f Three terms in French venerie. 



