COURSING. 473 



approach, and will scarcely allow a party to get nearer 

 than a quarter of a mile. They run in a wide circle, and 

 the dogs have a long, stern chase to reach them. 



Often the hunter can, by strategy, approach to within 

 100 yards, by making a detour, and coming upon them 

 from behind a slight elevation on the prairie; and by 

 this means the greyhound can make a sudden dash, - 

 and secure an antelope before he fairly gets his stride. 

 They seize them by the ham-strings, and throw them to 

 the ground, and then take the throat. 



The greyhound is frequently killed by the excessive 

 and long-continued exertion and heat. 



Although the sport of coursing originated in England, 

 it appeals strongly to our American tastes. It is attended 

 with just enough of the spirit of competition, gives a 

 grand display of speed, showing the greyhound in his 

 true element, and partakes of a spice of adventure, and 

 shows a graceful rider to the best advantage, and is free 

 from cruelty. 



As this delightful pastime is better understood, and 

 the aristocrat among dogs is more generally appreciated, 

 and truly his day is approaching, it will surpass in 

 interest all other out-door sports, and the greyhound will 

 be placed in the front ranks of the great canine family. 



" Yet if for sylvan sport thy bosom glow, 

 Let thy fleet greyhound urge his flying foe. 

 With what delight the rapid course I view! 

 How does my eye the circling race pursue! 

 He snaps deceitful air with empty jaws; 

 The subtle hare darts swift beneath his paws. 

 She flys; he stretches now with nimble bound; 

 Eager he presses on, but overshoots his ground. 

 She turns; he winds, and soon regains the way. 

 Then tears with gory mouth the screaming prey." 



