HUNTING DIRECTORY. 277 



Description of a Wolf Chase. 



I had twenty-one balls in my seven-barrelled gun, and 

 trusted, if I could get a shot the least clear of cover, I 

 should wound the game. We then took our respective 

 stations in the allees, all agreeing (as is necessary) to 

 shoot forwards. In about half an hour I heard the cry 

 no more, and therefore dashed on at a good rate for two 

 miles, when I heard the hounds but very faintly. Having 

 placed myself in what I thought a likely pass, I heard a 

 rustling, and soon discovered an animal listening, about 

 sixty yards distant. Agitated as I was at this moment, 

 I could not decide whether I should fire. I was certain 

 of hitting with some of the balls ; but, as the cry con- 

 tinued to advance, I resolved to wait, and in a little time 

 mij gentleman passed the avenue: he seemed jaded, and 

 was evidently hit in the hinder part. I then fired ; but 

 whether successfully or not I could not tell. Running 

 up to the boughs where he had appeared, I found them 

 cut ; and, on carefully examining the range of the balls, 

 I conceived that I had certainly wovmded him — in con- 

 sequence of which, I remounted my horse, and tallyhoed 

 so as to make the forest ring. In about ten minutes a 

 couple and a half of my hounds appeared, nearly toge- 

 ther. Caustic and Consul, grand-son and grand-daughter 

 of Merkin, of true Conqueror blood, seemed the most 

 vermin. They flew counter down the avenue, but I 

 hallooed them back ; and, at this instant, three couple 

 and a half out of my four came in, and were immediately 

 followed by Vixen, who appeared full as vicious. I caped 

 them, and they went off' at a rattling pace after the wolf; 

 but still they were almost mute. 



Having galloped on to the next avenue, I was joined 

 by some straggling gentlemen, and at length by the 



