[Sidenote: +Chap. I.+ Preface.]
The advantages that accrue to mankind from hunting, and the regard of
the Gods for those instructed in it by Chiron,[34] and their honourable
distinction throughout Greece, have been related by Xenophon, the son
of Gryllus.
[Sidenote: Summary of Xenophon’s Cynegeticus.]
He has pointed out the similitude between Cynegetical and Military
science;[35] and the age, constitution, and frame of mind,[36]
that essentially qualify for entering on the chase;—has given a
description of purse-nets, hayes, and road-nets,[37] such as are
necessary to be prepared—the mode of fixing snares for animals that
may be entrapped[38]—the natural history of hares, their food, haunts,
forms, and the method of searching for them—what dogs are clever at
scenting, and what faulty—and how, by their shape and work, each may be
ascertained. Some few remarks are also left by him on the boar-hunt,
the stag, bear, and lion chases—how these animals may be taken by
cunning and stratagem.
[Sidenote: Omissions therein.]
The omissions of his work (which do not appear to me to have arisen
from negligence, but from ignorance of the Celtic breed of dogs,[39]
and the Scythian and African horses,) I shall endeavour to fill up:
being his namesake and fellow-citizen,[40] of similar pursuits with
himself, as a sportsman, a general, and a philosopher—writing under
the same feeling that actuated him, when he thought fit to amend the
imperfections of Simon’s work on horsemanship;[41] not out of rivalry
with its author, but from a conviction that his labours would be useful
to mankind.
[Sidenote: +Chap. II.+]
[Sidenote: Proofs of Xenophon’s ignorance of Celtic Dogs.]
In my opinion no proof is required that Xenophon was ignorant of the
Celtic breed of dogs, beyond this:[42] that the nations inhabiting
that district of Europe were unknown,[43] except the parts of Italy
occupied by the Greeks,[44] and those with whom they had commercial
intercourse by sea. And that he was unacquainted with any other breed
of dogs, resembling the Celtic in point of swiftness, is evident
from these words:—“whatever hares,” he says, “are caught by dogs,
become their prey, contrary to the natural shape of the animal, or
accidentally.”[45] Now, if he had been acquainted with the Celtic
breed, I think he would have made the very same remark on the dogs;
“whatever hares the dogs do not catch at speed, they fail of catching
in contradiction of their shape, or from some accidental circumstance.”
For assuredly when greyhounds are in good condition, and of high
courage, no hare can escape them; unless the country present some
obstacles, either a covert to conceal her, or a hollow deep pit to
break off the course, or a ditch to favour her escape while out of
sight of the dogs.
To this ignorance, in my opinion, is to be attributed the length of
his instructions on driving the hare into nets,[46] and if she pass
them,[47] pursuing and recovering her by scent, till she be taken, at
last, completely tired out. But he has no where said either that fleet
dogs altogether supersede the necessity of a sportsman having nets,[48]
or of his hunting by scent after the hare has escaped them. Indeed
he has described only the mode of hunting which is practised by the
Carians and Cretans.[49]
[Sidenote: +Chap. III.+]
[Sidenote: Celtic Sagacious Hounds.]
[Sidenote: Their Qualities.]
But such of the Celts as hunt for the beauty of the sport, and not as
a means of livelihood, never make use of nets. And yet they have a
variety of dog not less clever at hunting on scent than the Carian and
Cretan,[50] but in shape sorry brutes.[51] In pursuit these give tongue
with a clanging howl like the yelping Carians, but are more eager,
when they catch the scent.[52] Sometimes, indeed, they gladden so
outrageously, even on a stale trail, that I have rated them for their
excessive barking,—alike on every scent, whether it be of the hare
going to form, or at speed.[53] In pursuing and recovering her, when
started, they are not inferior to the Carians or Cretans, save in the
one point of speed.
It is good sport, if they kill but a single hare in the winter season,
so much resting-time do they give her in the chase; unless, indeed, by
being frightened out of her wits at the tumultuous uproar of the pack,
she become an easy prey.
[Sidenote: Name.]
[Sidenote: Shape, &c.]
These dogs are called Segusians,[54] deriving their name from a Celtic
people, amongst whom, I suppose, they were first bred, and held in
repute. But[55] all that can be said about them has been anticipated by
the elder Xenophon. For they manifest nothing different from others in
their mode of finding, or hunting their game;—having no peculiarity,
unless one were inclined to speak of their shape, which I scarce think
worth while, except merely to say, that they are shaggy and ugly; and
such as are most high-bred are most unsightly. So that the comparison
of them to mendicants on the highways is popular with the Celts. For
their voice is dolorous and pitiful; and they do not bark on scent of
their game, as if eager and savage, but as if plaintively whining after
it.
[Sidenote: Celtic Swift-footed Hounds.]
[Sidenote: Vertragi.]
[Sidenote: Their Beauty.]
About these, then, I do not think any thing memorable can be written.
But the swift-footed Celtic hounds are called in the Celtic tongue
οὐέρτραγοι;[56]—not deriving their name from any particular nation,
like the Cretan, Carian, or Spartan dogs: but, as some of the Cretans
are named διάπονοι[57] from working hard, ἰταμαὶ[58] from their
keenness, and mongrels from their being compounded of both; so these
Celts are named from their swiftness. In figure, the most high-bred
are a prodigy of beauty;[59]—their eyes, their hair, their colour, and
bodily shape throughout. Such brilliancy of gloss is there about the
spottiness of the parti-coloured, and in those of uniform colour such
glistening over the sameness of tint, as to afford a most delightful
spectacle to an amateur of coursing.
[Sidenote: +Chap. IV.+[60]]
[Sidenote: Marks of Speed and good Blood.]
I will specify the indications of speed and good breeding in
greyhounds,[61] and by attention to what points ill-bred and slow ones
may be distinguished from them.
[Sidenote: Derived from Shape.]
In the first place, let them be _lengthy_ from head to tail;[62] for
in every variety of dog, you will find, on reflection, no one point so
indicative of speed and good breeding as length; and on the other hand,
no such mark of slowness and degeneracy as shortness. So that I have
even seen dogs with numerous other faults, that have been, on account
of their length, both swift and high-couraged. And farther, the larger
dogs,[63] when in other respects equal, show higher breeding than small
ones on the very score of size. But those large dogs are bad, whose
limbs are unknit, and destitute of symmetry;[64] being indeed, when
so formed, worse than small dogs, with an equal share of other faults
attached to them.
[Sidenote: External Character generally.]
Your greyhounds should have light and well-articulated heads;[65]
whether hooked[66] or flat nosed is not of much consequence: nor does
it greatly matter whether the parts beneath the forehead be protuberant
with muscle.[67] They are alone bad which are heavy-headed, having
thick nostrils, with a blunt instead of a pointed termination. Such
then are well-headed hounds. Their eyes should be large, up-raised,
clear, strikingly bright. The _best_ look fiery, and flash like
lightning, resembling those of leopards, lions, or lynxes.[68] Next to
these are black eyes, provided they are wide-open and grim-looking;
and last of all, grey:[69] nor are these to be considered bad, nor
indicative of bad dogs, provided they are clear, and have a savage look.
[Sidenote: +Chap. V.+]
[Sidenote: Episode on Arrian’s dog Hormé.]
For I have myself bred up a hound whose eyes are the greyest of
the grey;[70] a swift, hard-working, courageous, sound-footed dog,
and, in his prime, a match, at any time, for four hares. He[71] is,
moreover, (for while I am writing, he is yet alive), most gentle, and
kindly-affectioned;[72] and never before had any dog such regard for
myself, and friend and fellow-sportsman, Megillus.[73] For when not
actually engaged in coursing, he is never away from one or other of
us. But while I am at home he remains within, by my side, accompanies
me on going abroad,[74] follows me to the gymnasium, and, while I am
taking exercise, sits down by me. On my return he runs before me, often
looking back to see whether I had turned any where out of the road;[75]
and as soon as he catches sight of me, showing symptoms of joy, and
again trotting on before me. If I am going out on any government
business, he remains with my friend, and does exactly the same towards
him. He is the constant companion of whichever may be sick;[76] and
if he has not seen either of us for only a short time, he jumps up
repeatedly by way of salutation, and barks with joy, as a greeting
to us. At meals he pats us first with one foot and then with the
other,[77] to put us in mind that he is to have his share of food.[78]
He has also many tones of speech[79]—more than I ever knew in any
other dog—pointing out, in his own language, whatever he wants.
Having been beaten, when a puppy, with a whip, if any one, even at this
day, does but mention a whip, he will come up to the speaker cowering
and begging,[80] applying his mouth to the man’s as if to kiss him,
and jumping up, will hang on his neck, and not let him go until he has
appeased his angry threats.[81]
Now really I do not think that I should be ashamed to write even the
name of this dog; that it may be left to posterity, that Xenophon
the Athenian had a greyhound called Hormé, of the greatest speed and
intelligence,[82] and altogether supremely excellent.[83]
[Sidenote: Physical indications resumed.]
Let the ears of your greyhounds be large and soft,[84] so as to appear,
from their size and softness, as if broken. Such are best: but it is
no bad indication if they appear erect, provided they are not small
and stiff.[85] The neck should be long, round, and flexible;[86]
so that if you forcibly draw the dogs backwards by their collars,
it may seem to be broken, from its flexibility and softness. Broad
chests are better than narrow. Let them have shoulders standing
wide-apart,[87] not tied together, but as loose, and free from each
other, as possible—legs round, straight, and well-jointed—sides
strong—loins broad, firm, not fleshy, but sinewy—upper flanks loose
and supple[88]—hips wide asunder—lower flanks hollow—tails fine,
long, rough with hair, supple, flexible, and more hairy towards the
tip—haunches sweeping, and firm to the touch:[89]—with regard to their
legs, if the hind ones are longer than the fore, the greyhound will
run best up hill; if the fore legs are longest, down hill; but if both
are equal, he will run best on a flat.[90] Since, however, it is more
difficult to beat a hare on an acclivity, because she runs best up
hill, those are deemed the better class of dogs, whose hind legs are
longer than their fore ones.[91] Round and strong feet are decidedly
best.[92]
[Sidenote: +Chap. VI.+]
[Sidenote: Colour of no importance.]
The colour of greyhounds is not of any importance;[93] nor does it
matter if they are perfectly black, red, or white; nor is a simple,
uniform colour to be suspected as ferine. The colours, such as they
are, should be bright and pure; and the hair, whether the dog be of the
rough or smooth sort, should be fine, close, and soft.[94] The best
dogs are such as are large and well put together, and resemble bitches
in point of suppleness; and the best bitches are such as resemble dogs
in spirit, and muscularity of body.[95]
Now if any one pays attention to these hints, as to the shape of
greyhounds, they will fully supply him, in my opinion, with the
indications of good blood for his kennel, and the opposite of the
reverse.
[Sidenote: +Chap. VII.+]
[Sidenote: Indications from Temper.]
Nor will the temper of greyhounds afford fewer indications of good and
bad blood to a careful observer.[96] Such hounds, in the first place,
as are crabbed to all persons alike, are not of a generous breed. But
if you find any cross to strangers, and good-tempered to their feeder,
it is rather a favourable sign than otherwise.[97]
I once knew a greyhound, who was dull and sullen at home, and took no
pleasure in any of the persons about him; but, when led out hunting,
was beyond measure delighted, and showed, by smiling and fawning at
every body that came near him, that he was vexed at staying at home.
This may be held a good sign.
[Sidenote: From obedience in the field.]
The best dogs, however, are those of most attachment to man, and to
whom no human countenance is strange.[98] Such, on the other hand, as
are afraid of people, and astounded at noise,[99] obstreperous, and
often excited without cause, are senseless brutes of no pluck. Like men
that are timid and frightened out of their wits, such dogs as these can
never be deemed of generous blood. Those, too, are bad, which, when let
loose from couples in a field, do not come back at the call of their
keeper, but gallop away.[100] If you call them in mildly, they pay no
attention to you;—if threateningly, they keep aloof from fear.
For when a greyhound has had his gallop, and has run about, he ought
to come back to his keeper, even without a call,[101]—showing that he
is under command at will; but, if the keeper does not choose to take
him up, let him again bound away, and again return. Such dogs are well
broken in as, at the voice of their keeper, crouch before him;[102] not
from fear, but regard and respect for their feeder, cowering like the
worshippers[103] of the Great King.[104] It is no good sign for a hound
to stand still, when let out of couples on an open plain, unless he
happen to be advanced in age,[105] for it shows sluggishness.
[Sidenote: From gait.]
The most high-bred greyhounds have a prominent brow, and look
proud.[106] Their tread is light, quick-stepping, on their toes;
and they walk sideways,[107] extending their necks like horses
curvetting.[108]
[Sidenote: +Chap. VIII.+]
[Sidenote: From their mode of feeding.]
Some greyhounds eat voraciously, others with delicacy.[109] The latter
mode of feeding indicates a dog of better blood than the former.[110]
Good dogs are not bad feeders, but fond of bread or gruel.[111] This
kind of farinaceous food is most strengthening to them, and there is no
fear of their gorging themselves too much with it. I prefer, however,
their liking food quite dry;[112] and yet, if it be moistened with
water, and they still relish it, it is no evil.
When a dog is sick, administer the broth of fat meat to him, or having
roasted a bullock’s liver over some hot coals, and rubbed it abroad,
sprinkle it like flour into the broth.[113] This is good also for
puppies to strengthen their limbs, when they are first weaned from
milk.[114] But milk is the best food for the support of puppies till
the ninth month, and even longer; and is serviceable to the sick and
delicate, both as drink and aliment. Fasting too is beneficial to a
sick dog.[115]
[Sidenote: +Chap. IX.+]
[Sidenote: Management of the Kennel.]
[Sidenote: Bedding.]
There is nothing like a soft and warm bed for greyhounds; but it is
best for them to sleep with men:—as they become thereby affectionately
attached—pleased with the contact of the human body, and as fond of
their bedfellow as of their feeder.[116] If any ailing affect the dog,
the man will perceive it, and will relieve him in the night, when
thirsty, or urged by any call of nature. He will also know how the dog
has rested. For if he has passed a sleepless night,[117] or groaned
frequently in his sleep,[118] or thrown up any of his food,[119] it
will not be safe to take him out coursing. All these things the dog’s
bedfellow will be acquainted with.
Nothing can be worse than for dogs to sleep with each other; and more
especially so, if they touch one another in bed. For as all cutaneous
irritation is removed by a man sleeping with them, so, when they sleep
together, they generate every sort of foulness of skin by warmth and
close contact, and are generally full of mange.[120] To which cause
must be referred the very offensive and pungent stench on entering a
kennel where many hounds are confined together.
[Sidenote: +Chap. X.+]
[Sidenote: Rubbing down.]
Rubbing the whole body is of great service to the greyhound;[121] no
less than to the horse.[122] For it is conducive to the firmness and
strength of his limbs—renders his hair soft, and skin shining,[123] and
cleanses it from all foulness.
The back and loins you should rub with your right hand, placing your
left under the belly; lest the dog, being forcibly pressed down upon
his knees, should suffer injury. The sides should be rubbed with
both hands at once, and the haunches quite down to the feet, and the
shoulders in the same way. When the dog seems to have had enough of
it, lay hold of his tail, and lift him up by it; and then having drawn
it through your hand, let him go. As soon as he is at liberty, he will
shake himself, and show that he is pleased with the operation.
[Sidenote: +Chap. XI.+]
[Sidenote: Kennelling.]
It is a point of equal importance with any other, that greyhounds be
confined during the day;[124] otherwise they will unavoidably become
intractable, and, whenever fastened with a collar, will be impatient
under the restraint, and whine, and gnaw the straps, so as even to
require chains like malefactors. Besides, a hound that is at liberty
must needs eat every thing that falls in his way;[125] and, from
running about during the day-time, lose the acme of his speed. But,
though generally at rest, they should still have their appointed times
for walking out.
[Sidenote: +Chap. XII.+]
[Sidenote: Exercising.]
Four times a day, at least, take your dogs out of kennel to a level and
open field, and there loose them from couples, to empty themselves,
gallop, and run about.[126] But if they have quite ceased coursing,
let it be done more frequently. Slip them in pairs, a brace at a time,
so that by contending and playing with each other, they may enjoy
their pleasure, and take their exercise together. But on no account
let many loose at once, as they sometimes do great mischief by falling
on each other.[127] Never slip a strong and full-grown dog with a
puppy; for the old dog is an overpowering and distressing antagonist
for the youngster, easily overtaking him in pursuit, and as readily
running away from him, and leaving him behind; whereby the pup must of
course be cowed and dispirited, having in either case the worst of the
contest. And farther, such as are spiteful towards each other, never
give these their liberty at one and the same time, lest they injure one
another. For there are dogs, as well as men, with mutual antipathies,
and others again with mutual attachments.[128] Those of the same sex
are particularly inimical to each other, dogs to dogs, and bitches to
bitches; and this generally from spiteful jealousy. These matters are
not to be made light of.
[Sidenote: +Chap. XIII.+]
[Sidenote: Feeding in winter and summer.]
In the winter season feed your dogs only once a day,[129] a little
before evening; for the days are short, and the greyhounds are to be so
managed, that if you need their services for coursing till a late hour,
they may be able to bear the necessary fasting. But in summer it is
right to give them a little bread in addition,[130] that they may not
be exhausted by the length of the day; and if thirsty, they will drink
with less detriment after having eaten. To thrust down a dog’s throat a
piece of salted suet is also found beneficial.[131] But if the weather
be very hot, I would have you take an egg in your hand, open your dog’s
mouth, and push it down, that he may swallow it at one gulp. This will
be nourishment enough for him, will cherish his wind, and quench his
thirst.[132]
[Sidenote: +Chap. XIV.+]
[Sidenote: Seasons of Coursing.]
You may go out coursing frequently in spring and autumn,[133] these
seasons being attended with the least risk to your dogs—but rarely in
summer,[134] lying by, generally,[135] when the heat is oppressive.
For greyhounds are impatient of heat, and often, when pursuing a
hare with all their might, have been suffocated from a stoppage of
their wind.[136] To guard against which, a courser should carry eggs
with him, and administer them entire, if his hound’s breathing be
exceedingly distressed. For there is no better refrigerative, nothing
that appeases difficulty of breathing so much. It is not unattended
with danger for a dog, under these circumstances of distress, to drink
immoderately.
For the reasons given, then, be cautious of coursing in hot weather.
Never go out in winter when the cold is severe, and, on no account,
when the ground is frozen hard. For dogs bruise themselves in
frost,[137] lose their nails,[138] lacerate the soles of their feet,
and if very high-couraged, break even the bones of their toes against
the frozen ground from running with excessive eagerness. Whereas the
hare is light, with woolly and soft feet,[139] and trips along without
injury in frost.
[Sidenote: +Chap. XV.+[140]]
[Sidenote: Slipping law.]
Whoever courses with greyhounds[141] should neither slip them near the
hare, nor more than a brace at a time;[142] for though the hare be
remarkably swift-footed, and have often beaten many dogs, yet being
just started from her form, she cannot but be fluttered at heart, and
terrified at the hallooing, and the hounds pressing close upon her:—and
in this way, many a noble hare has often ignobly perished without an
effort, showing no diversion worth mentioning.
Let the hare, therefore, creep away from her form as if unperceived,
and recover her presence of mind. And then, if she be a racer,[143]
she will prick up her ears, and bound away from her seat with long
strides; and the greyhounds, having capered about as if they were
dancing,[144] will stretch out at full speed after her. And at this
time is the spectacle worthy indeed of the pains that must necessarily
be bestowed on these dogs.[145]
[Sidenote: +Chap. XVI.+]
[Sidenote: Hares.]
Those are the strongest hares which have their forms in open and
exposed places;[146] for, from boldness, they do not conceal
themselves, but seem to me to challenge the dogs. When coursed, they do
not fly to the woods or groves, however near, for immediate liberation
from danger, but stretch away to the open country;[147] and during the
contest, if they are pursued by slow hounds, they moderate their own
speed according as they are pressed; but if their pursuers are fast,
they run with all their might.[148]
Often when they have turned aside to the champaign country, if they
perceive a fleet dog following so close as to overshadow them, they
throw him off by frequent ricks and turns, and again make for the
woods, or wherever they know of a place of refuge; and this should be
deemed a proof that the dog has beaten the hare. For coursers, such at
least as are true sportsmen, do not take their dogs out for the sake of
catching a hare, but for the contest and sport of coursing;[149] and
are glad if the hare meet with an escape: if she fly to any thin brake
for concealment, though they may see her trembling and in the utmost
distress, they will call off their dogs,[150] and more particularly so,
when they have run well.[151]
Often, indeed, when following a course on horseback, have I come
up to the hare as soon as caught, and myself saved her alive: and
then, having taken away my dog, and fastened him up, allowed her
to escape.[152] And if I have arrived too late to save her, I have
struck my head with sorrow, that the dogs had killed so good an
antagonist.[153]
On this point alone I cannot agree with my namesake. I allow indeed
that a man may forget every other object of which he is enamoured, when
he sees a hare found, and pursued at speed;[154] but to see her taken
is, I own, neither a pleasant nor striking spectacle; but disagreeable
rather, and not at all likely to make us forgetful of other objects of
attachment.[155] And yet we must not blame Xenophon, considering he
was ignorant of greyhounds, if even the capture of a hare appeared to
him a grand sight.
I am aware, (even if my instructions were opposed to it), how strong
the inducement is to halloo, when following a course, and that even a
dumb man might break forth, as is related of the son of Crœsus.[156]
[Sidenote: +Chap. XVII.+]
[Sidenote: Cheering greyhounds.]
It is proper sometimes to speak to the greyhounds; for they are pleased
at hearing their master’s voice,[157] and have the consciousness of
his presence, and of their brilliant running not escaping his notice,
as an encouragement and reward for their exertions.
There is no objection to your cheering your hound as often as you
like in his first course; but in his second or third, when it is
probable that he is fagged, I think it wrong to cheer him very often
by name, lest from his ardour, and desire of pleasing his master, he
exert himself beyond his strength, and suffer some inward rupture; an
accident which has been fatal to many a high-bred greyhound. But he
should be allowed to slacken his running as he chooses. For the contest
is by no means equal between the hare and greyhound:[158] the hare runs
where she likes, and the dog pursues; she shifts her course,[159]
throws him off, and darts forward; and if thrown out, the dog is wide
of the hare, and must again stretch away after her a-head, and recover
what he has lost of the course by overshooting himself.[160]
Moreover, the natural difficulties of the country are more in favour of
the hare, than the dog—such as rough and stony grounds,[161] steeps
and inequalities of surface—both because she is light, and because her
feet, from their woolliness, are not liable to be lacerated by the
roughness of the ground;[162] and the running for her life, too, takes
away all sense of difficulties.
[Sidenote: +Chap. XVIII.+]
[Sidenote: Praising, &c.]
When the greyhound has caught the hare, or been otherwise victorious
in the course,[163] you should dismount from your horse, pat him with
your hand and praise him, kissing his head, and stroking his ears,
and speaking to him by name—“Well done, Cirras!”[164]—“Well done,
Bonnas!”[165]—“Bravo, my Hormé!”[166]—calling each hound by his name;
for, like men of generous spirit, they love to be praised:[167] and
the dog, if not quite tired out, will come up with joy to caress you.
At this time, it is a good sign for him to roll himself on the ground,
as we see horses do;[168] for it shows that he is not done up with the
course, and, at the same time, rolling refreshes him.
[Sidenote: +Chap. XIX.+[169]]
[Sidenote: Celtic mode of coursing with hare-finders.]
The more opulent Celts,[170] who live in luxury, course in the
following manner. They send out hare-finders[171] early in the morning
to look over such places as are likely to afford hares in form;[172]
and a messenger brings word if they have found any, and what number.
They then go out themselves, and having started the hare, slip the dogs
after her, and follow on horseback.[173]
[Sidenote: +Chap. XX.+]
[Sidenote: Without hare-finders.]
But others, who have no hare-finders, go out on horseback, collecting
a large party of fellow-sportsmen together; and coming to likely
lying-ground, when a hare is started, they slip their dogs. While
others again, who are more of workmen at the sport, sally forth on
foot;[174] and if any one accompanies them on horseback, it is his
duty to keep up with the dogs.
[Sidenote: Beating the ground.]
They beat the ground in regular array, with an extended front,
proceeding in a straight line to the completion of a certain extent of
country; and then, wheeling about in a body, return in the same way by
the side of their former track, omitting as far as possible none of the
likely lying.[175]
[Sidenote: Steward.]
But it is necessary, if many dogs are taken into the field, that they
should not be left at random, and without arrangement. For when the
hare is started from her form, not a man would refrain from slipping
his hound after her: one from eagerness to see his own dog run, and
another from being startled and beside himself at the hallooing; and
the hare would be caught, in consequence of the crowd and confusion of
the dogs, without a struggle, and the whole value of the spectacle
destroyed. On which account a steward should be appointed over the
sport,[176] should match the dogs, and give orders to the field:—if the
hare start on this side, _you_ and _you_ are to slip, and nobody else;
but if on that side, _you_ and _you_: and let strict attention be paid
to the orders given.[177]
[Sidenote: +Chap. XXI.+]
[Sidenote: Coursing with sagacious and swift hounds together.]
The Celts sometimes course with a mixture of sagacious and swift-footed
hounds;[178] and while the dogs of scent are trying, they stand apart
with the greyhounds, leading them in their hands where it is most
probable the hare will direct her course, that they may slip them at
her when she breaks cover.[179] And here the greyhounds answer the
same purpose as Xenophon’s nets.[180] But the courses in this way
are irregular and confused, and the hare, however good, is generally
so terrified at the barking of the finders, that, unless she get far
enough a-head to be able to recover herself, she is easily caught,
being frightened out of her wits.[181]
Whoever, therefore, is a good slipper, should not let go his dog while
the hare is at all bewildered, (unless he would destroy the sport,) but
should allow her to make her first turns, and then slip.
[Sidenote: +Chap. XXII.+]
[Sidenote: Ware Leveret.]
Let it be deemed unlawful to slip to a young hare;[182] but rather, in
obedience to my namesake, spare such for the Goddess.[183] If possible,
indeed, you should endeavour to call off the dogs on scent; though
they are with difficulty checked, being intractable from hunger, and so
keen at devouring whatever prey they take, that you can scarce drive
them away, even by beating them with sticks.
[Sidenote: +Chap. XXIII.+]
[Sidenote: Stag-coursing.]
You should course the stag, or any game of equal size in the same way,
slipping high-couraged hounds;[184] for the animal is large, runs a
long while, and is by no means safe to contend with;[185] indeed there
is no little danger of a greyhound being destroyed by a stag.[186]
But where the plains are adapted for riding, as in Mysia, Dacia,
Scythia, and Illyricum,[187] they are in the habit of coursing deer
with Scythian and Illyrian horses; which, though slow at first in
pursuit, and utterly despicable, as far as appearance goes, by the side
of those of Thessaly, Sicily, or Peloponnesus, hold out to the last
under the most severe work.[188] On such occasions you will see the
huge, swift, proud-looking horse flagging, and this lean and scrubby
little animal at first passing him, then leaving him behind, and at
last even driving the stag away from him. He holds on indeed until the
stag gives out and stops, gasping with distress;[189] when you may,
if you choose, spear him at close quarters as if enfettered,[190] or
throw a noose over his neck,[191] and lead him away alive.
[Sidenote: +Chap. XXIV.+]
[Sidenote: African Coursing of Wild Asses.]
In Africa there is a mode of coursing on Libyan horses,[192] called
Nomades, on which the sportsmen, mounted, catch not only red and roe
deer,[193] (for these are taken with little effort, and the horses are
not esteemed good in consequence,[194]) but also wild asses,[195]
which excel in speed, and power of holding out for the greatest length
of course.
[Sidenote: Arabian Coursing described by Xenophon.]
For when the Greeks marched with Cyrus, the son of Darius, against
the great king,[196] (in which expedition Xenophon was engaged, who
relates the circumstance,[197]) while they were passing over the plains
of Arabia,[198] there appeared herds of wild asses, but not one could
be caught by any single horseman, and therefore the Greeks pursued
them with relays of horsemen at stated distances; and after the asses
had held out for a long while against several, they sunk at last from
fatigue. Thus even Cyrus himself, the son of the great king, and the
brother of the great king, had not horses good enough for this chase;
and yet the Libyan boys, some at eight years of age, and others not
much older, mounted on their naked steeds,[199] and guiding them with
a switch, as the Greeks employ the rein, press these wild asses so
closely in pursuit, that at last they throw a noose around their necks
and lead them away quite subdued.[200]
[Sidenote: Comparison of Hunting and Coursing.]
Such are the methods of coursing adopted by those who have fleet
hounds and horses: they neither ensnare the animals with toils, nets,
or springes;[201] nor employ, in short, any other tricks or wily
inventions, but contend with them in a straight-forward trial of
speed.[202] And to me, the two spectacles appear nowise akin: the
former being like thievish depredation; the latter, like a battle
fought out with main strength: the one class of sportsmen resembling
pirates in their clandestine attack, while the other are as openly
victorious as were the Athenians over the Medes in the naval engagement
at Artemisium,[203] or at Salamis and Psyttalia, or again at Cyprus.
[Sidenote: +Chap. XXV.+]
[Sidenote: Age and mode of entering bitch-puppies.]
As to the age at which greyhounds should begin coursing,[204] you may
take a bitch out after the eleventh month;[205] or, if she be well
set, and not loose-limbed, you may let go a hare from your hand before
her, in an open field, a month earlier than this, starting the pup
close to the hare, that she may enjoy the sight of her game, and, by
seeing it quite close, may work with eagerness.[206] But presently slip
another good dog to the hare, that the puppy may not suffer by too long
a course, nor flag from over-fatigue; and the second dog turning the
hare with ease again and again, will drive her into the puppy’s mouth,
when the latter should be allowed to tear her with her teeth till she
has killed her.[207]
As soon as the season arrives for taking out your puppies, let them
be first walked over such roads as are rough;[208] for this exercise
is conducive to forming and strengthening their feet. Then station
the man who leads them upon a conspicuous and elevated spot, and be
sure that he does not slip a puppy when the hare has got much a-head,
and is out of sight; (notwithstanding the elder Xenophon advises it
in regard to dogs that are to be practised at running on scent;[209])
for if you slip a greyhound puppy out of sight of her game, she runs
wide, and jumps about, and is beside herself and bewildered. And after
she is full-grown, if a hare happen to escape her, she is never at
rest, neither returning to her keeper, nor obeying his call, but, from
eagerness for a course, continuing to run about wildly, like a mad dog,
after nothing.[210]
[Sidenote: Ware dead.]
Let the man, then, that holds the puppy stand on such a spot as I have
stated,[211] concealed from view at the point where it is most probable
the tired hare[212] will come in the course of her turns; and when
he sees her quite weary, let him slip the puppy close to her, neither
before, nor directly opposite to her; for the bitch rushing right
upon her will overshoot herself, and the hare, with a wrench, easily
skimming by, will of course leave the bitch far behind; the latter with
difficulty turning herself, as gallies sailing briskly a-head cannot
readily tack, unless the rowing be much slackened before they are
brought about. Let the hare, therefore, just pass by, and then let him
slip obliquely after her. Some one should follow up quickly, as soon
as the hare is caught, before the dogs are gorged with her blood. Not
that the flesh of a hare is to be accounted of much worth by a person
who courses for the beauty of the sport;[213] but it is a bad thing
to teach a greyhound to eat a hare.[214] Many a dog, too, has been
destroyed by gorging himself while out of breath, after a long course,
and has died of suffocation.
[Sidenote: +Chap. XXVI.+]
[Sidenote: Age of entering dog-puppies.]
Dog-puppies must not be taken out coursing until they are two years
old,[215] for their limbs become set at a much later period than those
of bitches. Besides it is attended with no little danger to take them
out earlier, many a greyhound having been prematurely destroyed by a
severe course before he was full-grown, and especially those of the
greatest spirit and highest breeding; for, in consequence of their
spirit, they run to the very utmost of their power.
[Sidenote: Age of sexual intercourse.]
The other practical points, already insisted on in reference to
bitches, are equally to be attended to in regard to the other sex. Dogs
are to be kept from copulation within the age stated; for the seed
being not yet matured in them, is generally weak and evanid, καθάπερ ἡ
τῶν παίδων.[216] The puppies themselves too are so utterly ruined by
it that you can never afterwards, do what you will, remedy the error.
The proper and seasonable time for sexual intercourse is from the
completion of the third year.[217]
[Sidenote: +Chap. XXVII.+]
[Sidenote: Time of sexual intercourse.]
And it should be thus managed:—watch the opportunity of the bitch
being clear of vaginal blood; for if she receive the seed before,
it generally is not retained, but is washed out by the blood,[218]
καθάπερ ταῖς γυναιξί; and you must here pay her particular attention,
as it is only for a short interval of time that she preserves her heat
after the vaginal blood has stopped.
[Sidenote: Suitable age in bitches for breeding.]
A bitch’s age may be considered good for the purpose from the second to
the seventh year.[219]
[Sidenote: +Chap. XXVIII.+]
[Sidenote: Mode of sexual intercourse.]
It is best for the dog and bitch to be shut up by themselves, and to
be out of sight while together.[220] For open and public copulations,
if we may believe sportsmen, are not prolific;[221] but such as are
effected by dogs in private are reported to succeed.[222]
[Sidenote: Management afterwards.]
Bitches, after being warded, may be led out, as walking about is
conducive to their strength;[223] but they must not be slipped again
to a hare, for fear of being destroyed by overstraining or excessive
fatigue. The dog likewise should not be let loose after a hare until he
is recovered from his exhaustion, and invigorated by an interval of at
least sixty days’ rest. After which there will be no obstacle to his
being coursed.[224]
[Sidenote: +Chap. XXIX.+]
[Sidenote: Breeding season.]
The most favourable season for breeding is the spring of the year,[225]
as the temperature is mediate between hot and cold. Winter is not
propitious for rearing puppies, more especially on account of the want
of milk:[226] and summer is distressing to the dams for suckling.
Autumn is worse than spring for this reason, that the winter arrests
the whelps before they are thoroughly formed.[227]
[Sidenote: +Chap. XXX.+]
[Sidenote: Management after whelping.]
If you wish a brood-bitch to recover her previous speed,[228] you must
not let her suckle her whelps,[229] except merely to lighten any
excess of milk,—and then put them to other bitches, selecting such as
are well-bred: for the milk of degenerate curs is not congenial to
high-bred puppies.[230] If, however, the dam herself appear no longer
serviceable for coursing, it is best to leave the whelps with their
own mother, and not to put them under a foster-parent.[231] For the
growth is stinted by a stranger’s nursing, (as the other Xenophon
declares,) but the mother’s milk and breath are cherishing to her
puppies.
[Sidenote: +Chap. XXXI.+]
[Sidenote: Food of weaned puppies.]
[Sidenote: Xenophon’s instructions approved.]
When puppies can run about, Xenophon properly recommends that they be
fed with milk;[232] for the filling them with heavy food distorts
their legs, and occasions diseases in their bodies. And as to giving
dogs short names of easy pronunciation,[233] in this we should also
attend to him; for the names which he has enumerated, (in part the
invention of others, and some of his own creation), are cleverly
composed.
[Sidenote: Care of brood-bitches, not allowed to suckle.]
But if you do not as yet wish your bitches to breed up any puppies,
you must take the greatest possible care of them while under distress
in consequence.[234] For when they have ceased to give suck, their
teats become turgid and full of milk, and the parts beneath the belly
distended . At which time, it is not safe to loose them after a
hare,—for their flanks may be burst asunder: nor should you let them
play with another dog, as, by contending and striving with him beyond
their strength, they may be placed in equal danger.
It is best to wait till their teats are become flaccid. And you will
have a proof that it is safe to take them out, when the hair falls off
abundantly, as you stroke it with your hand. They are then, I think,
free from the distress they laboured under on account of their milk,
and are ready for coursing.[235]
[Sidenote: +Chap. XXXII.+]
[Sidenote: Estimate of Sexes.]
The greyhound bitch is fleeter than the dog,[236] but the dog has
more _bottom_ than the bitch;[237] and, because he can run through the
whole year, is a much more valuable acquisition: and as good bitches
abound, but it is no easy thing to meet with a thorough-good dog, the
latter is on this account more precious: and again, it is fortunate
if bitches preserve their speed to the fifth year,[238] whereas dogs
retain theirs even to the tenth.[239] For all which reasons, in my
opinion, a really good, high-bred dog is a great treasure[240]—one that
falls not to the lot of a courser without the favour of some god.[241]
For such a blessing, then, he should sacrifice to Diana Venatrix.[242]
He should sacrifice, too, whenever successful in his sport, dedicate
the first-fruits of his spoils to the goddess,[243] and purify his
dogs and sportsmen,[244] as regulated by the established rites of the
country.
[Sidenote: +Chap. XXXIII.+]
[Sidenote: Celtic hunting rites.]
Some of the Celts have a custom of annually sacrificing to Diana;[245]
while others institute a treasury for the goddess,[246]—into which
they pay two oboli for every hare that is caught,[247]—a drachma for
a fox,[248] (because he is a crafty animal, and destroys hares,)—and
four drachmæ for a roe-deer,[249] in consideration of his size, and
greater value as game.
When the year comes round, on the return of the nativity of Diana,[250]
the treasury is opened, and a victim purchased out of the money
collected;[251] either a sheep, or kid,[252] or heifer, according to
the amount of the sum: and then, after having sacrificed, and presented
the first-offerings of their victims to the Goddess of the chase,[253]
according to their respective rites, they give themselves up, with
their hounds, to indulgence and recreation,[254]—crowning the latter on
this day with garlands,[255] as an indication of the festival being
celebrated on their account.[256]
[Sidenote: +Chap. XXXIV.+]
[Sidenote: Injunctions to the observance of religious rites.]
This Celtic custom I follow with my fellow-sportsmen,[257] and
declare no human undertaking to have a prosperous issue without the
interposition of the Gods.[258] For that Mariners, who regard their
safety, supplicate the Gods at embarkation;[259] and, after dangers
escaped, offer up sacrifices of gratitude to the sea-deities, Neptune,
Amphitrite, and the Nereids.[260] Cultivators of the soil do the same
to Ceres, her daughter, and Bacchus;[261] Artificers, to Minerva
and Vulcan;[262] Professors of instruction,[263] to the Muses,[264]
Apollo Musagetes,[265] Mnemosyne,[266] and Mercury;[267] Lovers, to
Venus,[268] Cupid,[269] Suada,[270] and the Graces.[271] And, upon
the same principle, Sportsmen should not be neglectful of Diana
Venatrix,[272] nor Apollo,[273] nor Pan,[274] nor the Nymphs,[275] nor
Mercury,[276] the conductor and president of the highways, nor any
other mountain gods[277] that there may be: otherwise their pursuits
must turn out abortive, their dogs injured, their horses lamed,[278]
and themselves disappointed.[279]
[Sidenote: +Chap. xxxv.+]
[Sidenote: Enforced by examples from Homer.]
[Sidenote: Iliad. L. +xxiii.+ 852. seqq.]
And of this, Homer gives evidence in his poem.[280] Teucer, he says,
the best bowman of the Greeks, in the archery-contest hit the cord
only, and cut it asunder, because he had offered no vow to Apollo;[281]
but that Merion, who was no archer at all, by having invoked Apollo,
struck the bird when on the wing.
Again, the posterity of those, who fought against Thebes with
Polynices, captured the city,[282]
[Sidenote: Iliad. L. +iv.+ 406. seqq.]
To omens trusting, and the aid of Jove;
whereas their fathers, not at all inferior to them in valour, had
perished before it, because they were disobedient to the signs
vouchsafed to them by the Gods.
[Sidenote: Iliad. L. +xii.+ 216. seqq.]
And lastly, Hector, inattentive to Polydamas when he objected to an
attack on the Grecian fleet,[283] (because the Trojans would not
return from it with honour to themselves, as he inferred from a
serpent dropped by an eagle,) was soon afterwards taught otherwise
by experience, that no good comes of being refractory towards the
Deity.[284]
Following these examples, it is right in field-sports, as in every
thing else, to begin with adoration of the Gods;[285] and, after
having obtained success, to offer thanksgiving-sacrifices[286] and
libations,[287] with auspicious words,[288] and crowns,[289] and
hymns,[290] and to dedicate the first-fruits of the captured game,[291]
as the conqueror does of the spoils of war.[292]
[Illustration: BEGER.]
[Illustration: BARTOLI.]
[Illustration: VAILLANT.]