THE LURCHER. 



151 



attachment, " evince more clearly still its descent from the 

 sheep-dog ; and the lurking, sly, and downward expression of 

 its eye, is but a mask for qualities which render it one of the 

 most useful assistants to a class of men who require the aid of 

 the most trusty, intelligent, and attached of the canine race. 

 It is, in short, peculiarly the poacher's dog. For the nocturnal 

 trade of these men, the silent, stealthy habits of the lurcher are 

 admirably adapted 5 and one which is well educated, or broken 

 to the business, will serve all the purposes of every other kind 

 of sporting dog, in a manner the most efficient for the objects 

 of its master's pursuit. If he be hunting rabbits, and should 

 start one at a little distance from its place of resort, the dog 

 runs for the burrow, and here is sure to secure it. In driving 

 partridges into the net, it uses all the circumspection which so 

 delicate and so difficult a task requires j hares often fall before 

 its combined speed and cunning -, and a well-bred lurcher will 

 seize and pull down a fallow-deer, and then quietly return to 

 its master, to lead him to the scene of its successful adventure. 

 In all these offices a well-bred lurcher never gives tongue, but 

 pursues its object in silence, and with a great degree of sagacity 

 and intelligence." 



