158 TOUR IN SUTHERLAND. CH. X. 



dogs learn this fault at first by being allowed to go 

 about amongst very young lambs, which are inva- 

 riably tempting objects of pursuit to wild and mis- 

 chievously dis[)osed puppies. 



I am much inclined to crossing the deer-hound 

 with the mastiff or fox-hound. The former I prefer 

 as giving strength and determination in seizing and 

 holding a stag. This cross, too, imparts to the 

 disposition of the dog a kind of bloodthirstiness, 

 which is invaluable in tracking and pursuing 

 wounded deer, and this is the principal use of all 

 deer-hounds. No forest will bear too fi-equent 

 coursing ; the deer will take themselves off to 

 quieter ground without fail, being far more effectu- 

 ally scared away by the hound than ])y the rifle. 



