CHAPTER X. 



THE CHASE OF THE STAG. 



It Is not the intention of the writer to follow this stag 

 over the moor ; so it will be sufficient here to point 

 out the leading incidents that distinguish the chase 

 of the deer from that of the fox. 



The first thing that strikes the fox-hunter is, that 

 the staghounds run in long drawn file instead of 

 carrying a head like foxhounds ; and that they do 

 not run at first so savagely, as if after a natural enemy. 

 The reason of this is the difference in the scent of the 

 two animals. That of a deer is sweet, as of a " beast 

 of chase," and not of vermin; and the difference in 

 hounds running deer and fox is precisely that of 

 terriers after rabbit and stoat. Staghounds strive for 

 the lead just as foxhounds do ; but the hound that, 

 whether by nose or speed, or combination of both, 

 has slightly the advantage of the rest, will lead the 

 whole day up to a certain point, the rest close at his 



