Page:Cynegetica.djvu/73

Rh moſt make a dumb perſon ſpeak, as is related of the ſon of Croeſus.

It is proper ſometimes to ſpeak to the dogs, for they rejoice to hear the voice of their maſter, and it is a kind of encouragement to them to know that he is preſent, and a witneſs of the excellence of their running. In the firſt courſe, there is no objection to ſpeaking to them as often as we chuſe; but, in the ſecond or third courſe, when they will probably be weakened, I do not think it right to call them too often by name, leſt, through too eager a defſire to pleaſe their maſter, they ſhould exert themfelves beyond their flrength, and hurt their inſide, which has been the deſtruction of many a good dog; but they ſhould be permitted to run as they pleaſe, for there is no greater conteſt than that between the Hare and the dog. This flies where ſhe chuſes, and the other purſues: this run firſt, turning her courſe, and throwing out the dog; the other, if thrown out, is ſo far out of his way, and is obliged to follow with greater ſpeed to recover the ground he has loſt. The difficulties of the country