HUNTING DIRECTORY. 251 



Somcrvile's Notion ot Scent. 



Somervile expresses his opinion on scent in the fol- 

 lowing beautiful hnes : — 



" The blood that from the heart incessant rolls 

 In many a crimson tide, then here and there 

 In smaller rills disparted, as it flows 

 Propell'd, the serous particles evade 

 Through th' open pores, and with the ambient air 

 Entangling mis. As fuming vapours rise, 

 And hang upon the gently purling brook. 

 There by th' incumbent atmosphere compress'd. 

 The panting chase grows warmer as he flies. 

 And through the net-work of the skin perspires, 

 Leaves a long steaming trail behind, which by 

 The cooler air condens'd, remains, unless 

 By some rude storm dispers'd, or rarified 

 By the meridian sun's intenser heat. 

 To every shrub the warm effluvia cling, 

 Hang on the grass, impregnate earth and skies. 

 AVith nostrils opening wide, o'er hill, o'er dale, 

 The vigorous hounds pursue ; with every breath 

 Inhale the grateful steam : quick pleasures sting 

 Their tingling nerves, while they their thanks repay, 

 And in triumphant melody confess 

 The titillating joy. Thus on the air 

 Depend the hunter's hope. When ruddy streaks 

 At eve forebode a blustering stormy day, 

 Or lowering clouds blacken the mountain's brow, 

 When nipping fronts, and the keen biting blasts 

 Of the dry parching east, menace the trees 

 With tender blossoms teeming, kindly spare 

 Thy sleeping pack." 



Beckford says, " I cannot agree with Mr. Somervile, 

 in thinking scent depends on the ah' only. It depends 

 also on the soil. Without doubt, the best scent is that 

 which is occasioned by the efHuvia, as he calls it, or par- 



