^ COURSING. lol 



when they go off like this never bark when on the heels 

 of a rabbit, as they would do if a sportsman was with 

 them and the chase legitimate. This suppression of what 

 must be an almost uncontrollable inclination shows no 

 little intelligence. If they gave tongue, they would be 

 certainly detected, and as certainly thrashed. To watch 

 the sneaking way in which a spaniel will come home after 

 an unlawful expedition of this kind is most amusing. 

 She makes her appearance on the road or footpath so as 

 not to look as if coming from the hedges, and enters at 

 the back ; or if any movement be going on, as the driving 

 of cattle, she will join in it, displaying extraordinary zeal 

 in assisting : anything to throw off suspicion. 



Of all sport, if a man desires to widen his chest, and 

 gain some idea of the chase as it was in ancient days, let 

 him take two good greyhounds and * uncouple at the 

 timorous flying hare,' following himself on foot. A race 

 like this over the elastic turf of the downs, inhaling with 

 expanded lungs air which acts on the blood as strong 

 drink on the brain, stimulating the pulse, and strengthen- 

 ing every fibre of the frame, is equal to another year of 

 life. Coursing for the coursing's sake is capital sport. 

 A hare when sorely tried with the hot breath from the 

 hounds' nostrils on his flanks, will sometimes puzzle them 

 by dashing round and round a rick. Then in sweeping 

 circles the trio strain their limbs, but the hare, having at the 

 corners the inner side and less ground to cover, easily 



