158 ATTACHMENT OP MASTER AND HOUNDS. 



as a dog-feeder. For myself, I must confess and 

 plead guilty to the charge of taking a deep 

 interest in horses and dogs. Although I may be 

 ridiculed for the expression of the sentiment — 

 that mutual attachment should exist between 

 master and hound — destroy that feeling, and we 

 then use these animals (so identified with our recre- 

 ations and pastimes, and formed by nature to be 

 man's assistants and companions) as mere living 

 machines, to pander to our pleasures. Justice 

 extends to the brute creation. 



A man who has once hunted his own hounds 

 will never take the same interest in them, or de- 

 rive the same gratification from their performances 

 when handled by a huntsman. The excitement 

 of riding to them may not be wanting, but the 

 sport is bereft of half its charms when produced 

 by another. The feeling with me is nearly akin 

 to beholding a beautiful and graceful girl, whose 

 affections I would fain believe were once bestowed 

 on myself, dancing and conversing with another, 

 and wholly engrossed with his attentions. Disap- 

 pointment and jealousy would be aroused by 

 witnessing such an exhibition, and at seeing those 

 smiles directed to another, in which I had been 

 accustomed to revel. It would be well did expe- 

 rience justify us in saying, '' Once a lover, always a 



