"
Then there is the terrier to catch our rats; the mastiff and spaniel
to guard our houses; the lapdog for ladies to play with; the poodles
to laugh at; and once there was the turnspit to roast our meat for
us.
Besides these and many I have not mentioned there are all the
different hunting dogs; the pointers and setters for birds; the
hounds for hares, rabbits, foxes, and deer.
When I was in England, I saw the start for a deer hunt. The hunters,
with their red jackets, were assembled on horses longing to start.
The dogs were all fastened together and held still by the keepers. A
large open heath was before us.
Presently a covered cart was driven up. One end was opened, and a
stag leaped out.
He stood still, and looked up and all around him, as much as to say,
"What are we all about?" He had, apparently, no thought of running
any where.
At last, they sent a little dog to bark at him, and soon away he
scampered over fences and through fields; like the wind, he flew.
When he was out of sight, the keeper let his dogs loose. They did
not run at first, but smelt all around, one dog leading the others.
At last, he pricked up his ears, and they all set up a race after
him, like a streak of lightning, as our Jem would say.
Now the huntsmen started, and they followed as near as they could.
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