92 THE GAMEKEEPER AT HOME. 



CHAPTER V. 



S>avxz of ]^is Subjects : ©ogs, ISlabbits, 'Mitt, ant guc]^ small B^er.' 



When a dog, young and yet unskilled, follows his master 

 across the meadows, it often happens that he meets with 

 difficulties which sorely try the capacity of the inex- 

 perienced brain. The two came to a broad deep brook. 

 The man glances at the opposite bank, and compares in 

 his mind the distance to the other side with other distances 

 he has previously leaped. The result is not quite satisfac- 

 tory ; somehow a latent doubt develops itself into a ques- 

 tion of his ability to spring over. He cranes his neck, 

 looks at the jump sideways to get an angular measurement, 

 retires a few paces to run, shakes his head, deliberates, 

 instinctively glances round as if for assistance or advice, 

 and presently again advances to the edge. No ; it will not 

 do. He recalls to mind the division of space into yards, 

 feet, and inches, and endeavours to apply it without a rule 

 to the smooth surface of the water. He can judge a yard 

 on the grass, because there is something to fix the eye on 

 — the tall bennet or the buttercup yonder ; but the water 

 affords no data. 



On second thoughts, yes — even the smooth flowing 



