THE CHASE. 397 



upon the shoulders and neck, and one or more behind can, in an 

 incredibly short time, dispatch a large buck ; but before this is 

 accomjDlished the huntsmen are generally up, when the hunting- 

 knife puts an end to the struggle. 



The most successful dog I ever followed always threw his deer 

 in the way described, and I never knew him once to fail ; but 

 I have known other dogs to seize the deer in the lower flank and 

 throw him by so doing. 



A short time gathers the horsemen around the prostrate buck, 

 when each may have something to relate. A horse or two may 

 have stumbled in the chase, whose riders have been dashed to 

 the ground ; possibly a broken limb, but probably a few bruises 

 would sum up the casualties ; and after the panting horses have 

 taken breath, and the wounded have been cared for, another 

 start is made and the scene again repeated. 



It often happens that several deer are started at the same 

 time which run in different directions, whereupon the party and 

 the pack divide, and may be seen scouring over the prairie, pur- 

 suing the flying game, and at the conclusion of the run are sep- 

 arated by many miles ; sometimes, indeed, so far that they are 

 not again united the same day, unless at the dinner-table, when 

 the incidents of the day are recounted, with such extravagant 

 embellishments as may be necessary to enable each to outdo the 

 others. 



Of all the modes of chasing the deer, its pursuit over the prai- 

 rie with horse and hound is b}^ far the most exciting and exhil- 

 arating ; and, I may add, the most expensive, also, especially to 

 the inexperienced rider ; for, if he returns with a sound horse 

 and a sound body, he may consider himself fortunate. Practice 

 is required in this as well as in other modes of pursuit, though in 

 none can the neophyte in deer hunting take so active a part as 

 in this. 



There is as great a difference in speed and endurance among 

 deer as among horses. Some may be taken almost immediately, 

 while others can only be captured by the best dogs and best 

 horses, after a chase of many miles, when half the party may 

 have been left quite out of sight. Take a long-legged, lean buck, 

 in the prime of life, and he is a marvel of speed and endurance, 

 and will satisfy the most ambitious sportsman before he is run 

 into. 



Another mode of hunting the deer is called the Fire Hunt. 

 As I have never tried it, I am unable to describe it from my own 



