APPROACH OF ANIMALS. 65 



this very good reason: — After exertion, on standing 

 still to listen to the chase, which, in a huge forest of 

 this sort, having but few rides in it, must at times 

 be far away, the heaving of a man's chest of course 

 moves the belts around it, and makes them *' creak ; " 

 and this interferes with many a distant as well as 

 stealthily-approaching sylvan sound, which, fully to 

 comprehend, needs the greatest nicety of detection. I 

 have heard both wolf, boar, and roe-deer approaching 

 me when far ahead of the hounds, and stopping at 

 intervals to listen, not only to the far-off cry behind 

 them, but for any danger which might be in their 

 path, and as to which the wind gave them no advan- 

 tage ; and during these moments I have wished my 

 leathern belts anywhere but on my shoulders, for 

 the smallest interference with my ear prevented my 

 being aware as to which. side of me the cautiously- 

 approaching animal inclined. When the woods are 

 thick, and the leaf on, and the ride at which you 

 stand very often not clear for above a couple of 

 feet in breadth, it is of the utmost moment, for a 

 shot, to know on which side of you a glimpse of the 

 animal, as he springs the ride, is likeliest to be 

 afforded. 



After I had arranged my equipments, and laid my 

 spurs by the side of my boots, so that all should be 



p 



