COURSING. 



This popular amusement, which can be par- 

 ticipated in more generally, and with less risk, 

 than any other species of hunting, is of great 

 antiquity, being described by Arrian in the 

 second century. It appears, from his account, 

 the practice of coursing the hare was much the 

 same as at the present period ; only a brace of 

 hounds were suffered to pursue her, and she was 

 also allowed some distance at starting, — a rule 

 which ought never to be infringed ; for if the 

 hare is terrified by the hounds being let loose 

 immediately upon finding her, she is prevented 

 from using her speed, and killed without diver- 

 sion to the spectator ; the object of the sports- 

 man is to enjoy the contest of swiftness, and 

 the hounds having decidedly the advantage, the 

 allowance of four or five score yards' law ought 

 to be strictly enforced. The improved method 

 of slips for the hounds admitting of their being 



