170 SPORTING IN BOTH HEMISPHERES. 



Having arrived at the laillis de Villarceau, relays of dogs 

 were placed at the four angles of the wood, in order that 

 they might see the stag when he broke cover. 



Some old hounds are uncoupled, and take up the scent 

 without the encouragement of either voice or horn, in spite 

 of the heat and dryiiess of the ground. 



The royale is sounded. 



The stag has penetrated farther into the thick cover, fol- 

 lowed by the pack, in full chorus. 



" The chasse commences well," observes the king. . 



On this occasion they are certain that the animal must be 

 driven from cover, and will not escape the relays. 



The spectators on foot make the best of their way to the 

 different lakes or large ponds, to one of which the stag is 

 sure eventually to resort. 



The horsemen scatter themselves about in different direc- 

 tions, towards those points where they consider it most pro- 

 bable the chasse will pass. 



At the Clos Renard the stag was seen, and crossed the ride 

 at a bound. His head was thrown backwards ; no signs of 

 distress were apparent, and a noble confidence in his own 

 vigour seemed impressed in all his movements. 



A few seconds afterwards the pack, with a hoarse but har- 

 monious crash, burst from the wood, and passed also. 



Then followed the piqueurs, in blue uniforms, their horns 

 around their shoulders. 



They stop short for an instant, and sound their instruments. 



The king passes next. 



Then comes Monseigneur le Dauphin. The direction of 

 the chasse is towards le vallee aux eaux. Near the spot the 

 monarch was passing lay the trunk of a noble forest tree 

 that seemed to have, been torn from the roots by some effort 

 of nature. 



The forest presents a solemn and imposing spectacle when 



