472 UPLAND SHOOTING. 



The old style of coursing is perhaps the most enjoya- 

 ble, it being in the nature of a wild, free gallop over the 

 smooth, level prairie, after a pack of, say twelve, grey- 

 hounds, uncoupled and free. 



A private party of ladies and gentlemen, mounted on 

 ponies, meet in the suburbs of some small city or village, 

 and by a ride of three miles are on good running-grounds, 

 where the rabbits are numerous; and, after read justing the 

 saddle-fastenings, the hunt begins. They have scarcely 

 formed in line before a rabbit is raised, and away go 

 dogs, and riders at their heels, yelling like a band of 

 Indians on the war-path, and often with the ladies in the 

 lead riding like mad. 



The lady first in at the death secures the "brush," 

 which in this instance consists of a pair of long ears. 



Several rabbits are usually caught in a half-day 1 s hunt, 

 and all return brightened in spirits, and with appetites 

 sharpened to a keen edge. 



Wolf or coyote hunting is similar to rabbit coursing, 

 and is indulged in quite as frequently, only it differs 

 somewhat in the wind-up, there being a fierce fight 

 between dogs and wolf before the despoiler of the hen- 

 roosts is finally dispatched. 



It is difficult to make a close start on the coyote, and 

 a long, hard ride straight away for five miles, over more 

 or less rough country, across streams, through corn-fields 

 and hedges, is expected, giving one a rare opportunity of 

 displaying good horsemanship. It is wonderfully exhila- 

 rating, and after once being enjoyed, leaves a strong 

 desire for a repetition of the pleasure. 



Antelope coursing with greyhounds is usually attended 

 with considerable danger to both dogs and horses, as the 

 race is a long, straight-away run for miles on the open 

 prairie, without a turn. 



The antelope being very keen of sight, is difficult to 



