THE OTTER-HOUND. 327 



with the stag-hound, which is that, when hunting the water, 

 no stem, twig, or overhanging bough, with which there is a 

 cliance of the game having come in contact, sliould escape his 

 notice ; and he should be able even to carry the scent actually 

 in the water ; and very beautiful it is to hear them throwing 

 their tongues as they swim in the wake of their amphibious 

 prey ; and as Somerville has it, — 



And joy redoubled bursts from every mouth. 



It is usual to take out a rather strong contingent of terriers, 

 with otter-hounds, for the purpose of going into the " hover," 

 where the pack, from their size, often could not follow; and 

 when an otter has made his " couch " in some strong place, under 

 the roots of a tree, or in the recesses of a rocky cavern, it takes 

 very forcible arguments indeed to induce him to throw up the 

 advantages of such a position. These same arguments it is the 

 terrier's duty to apply, and a very unpleasant one it must often 

 prove ; for no animal in existence will bite harder or fight more 

 manfully for his life than the otter; hence the terriers used 

 must be of the very hardest and best. In the north, I believe. 

 Dandy Dinmonts are generally selected, not only on account of 

 their gameness, but from their coat enabling them to stand the 

 water better than smooth terriers could do ; while, at the same 

 time, they match the pack both in colour and roughness, and 

 look as much at home with their deep-toned friends as a fox- 

 terrier does on the kennel benches of the Belvoir or Quorn. 



