160 



NOTES ON THE DOG TRIBE. 



saying is, over his head. A large brown wasp of 

 the country, had issued from its nest under a 

 wooden bridge, over which we were going, and 

 stung him in the face. Hence the true cause of 

 the fracas. I don't think it would have happened, 

 but for the wasp ; as Philip was, by no means 

 frisky that morning ; and we were going gingerly 

 along. 



I remember well the circumstance on this 

 account, my head came in contact with the 

 ground ; and when I arose, I staggered and fell, 

 three times, feeling much confused. So, I sat 

 me down on the side of the wide trench which 

 flanked the highway ; and when composure was 

 restored, took out my lancet, and drew some twenty 

 ounces of blood from my arm. This prevented 

 bad consequences ; — and put all to rights. 



Another time, Philip seemed particularly prone 

 to mischief. I prepared for a storm — and the mule 

 made a dead stop. It brought to my mind the 

 affair which Sterne had with his own mule, in the 

 " Sentimental Journey." " Philip," said I, "I can't 

 afford to stop just now, as I have an appointment ; 

 so pray thee, my lad, go on." " I wont," said he. 

 " Now do, my dear fellow," said I, patting him on 

 the shoulder, as I spoke the words; "we must 

 not remain here, a laughing stock to every passing 



