HUNTING DIRECTORY. 209 



of Hare Hunting. 



animals is swift, and (though they make some few heads 

 and turnings) most commonly in straight lines towards a 

 place of refuge at some distance. The scent they leave 

 is generally so high, that the pack (though ever so w'ell 

 matched) is forced to folloAV after two or three strong- 

 winded leaders in a straggling yelping string, and the 

 horsemen are cast, though ever so well mounted: by 

 this means the music is broken, the art of the huntsman 

 of little use, and the pleasure of those who designed to 

 be spectators, dwindles into enquiries — which way went 

 the dogs ? However, as these games afford an oppor- 

 tunity to our generous youth to shew their courage, to 

 boast of the performance of themselves and their horses, 

 and to excel one another in feats of activity ; as the pre- 

 servation of lambs or geese is an act of charity to the 

 honest farmer ; and as a venison pasty is a savoury orna- 

 ment to my lady's table, I would by no means depreciate 

 the triumphs obtained by our gallant Nimrods in the 

 conquest of such beasts. 



" Yet I hope for pardon from my more sprightly 

 brethren, if I give my vote for the innocent hare above 

 all other game. The transports of every mortal breast 

 at the sight of that little quadruped is no less amazing 

 than unaccountable, and has often made me inclined to 

 imagine she has some^hidden mechanical attractive power 

 over man as well as beast : whatever it be, it ought to be 

 a constant motive of gratitude to the indulgent Creator, 

 that has furnished us with this physic, so delicious to 

 the taste, as well as salutary in effect. Let the philo- 

 sopher, the grave Stoic himself, be present at the tracing 

 and unravelling the morning walk, and see this subtle 



