THOUGHTS UPON HUNTINGS I59 



recovery : this should be always guarded against. After 

 a little while you have less to fear. You may then ap- 

 proach them nearer, and encourage them more j leavr 

 ing, however, at all times, sufficient room for them to 

 turn, should they over-run the scent. On high roads, and 

 dry paths, be always doubtful of the scent j nor give them 

 much encouragement j but when a hit is made on either 

 side, you may halloo as much as you please ; nor can you 

 then encourage your hounds too much. A hare gene- 

 j-ally describes a circle as she runsj larger, or less, acr 

 cording to her strength and the openness of the country. 

 In in closures, and where there is much coyer, the circle 

 is, for the most part, so small, that it is a constant puzzle 

 to the hounds. They have a Gordian knot, in that case, 

 ever to unloose j and though it may afford matter of spe- 

 culation to the philosopher, it is always contrary to the 

 wishes of the sportsman : — such was the country that J 

 Jiunted in for many years. 



** Huntsman ! her gait observe : if in wide rings 



She wheel her m^zy way, in the same round 



Persisting still, she'll foil the beaten track. 



Eutifshefly, and with the fav'ring wind 



Urge her bold course, less intricate thy task : 



|*ush on thy pack," SomervillKo 



