P L A T E XXXIX.
RUNNING A HOG-DEER.
T n K number of liares, foxes, and jackals lo be fonnd, in general occasions a
preference lo be given, among a certain class of sportsmen, lo grcybounds. A
brace of good long dogs, uitli one or two questing spaniels, form a sufficient
stock for him, who, whclher from choice or necessity, remains on horseback
(luring his morning or evening excursion. Considering the nature of the climate,
this easy recreation may certainly be upheld as ihc most sal.ibrious ; bnt it
r e q u i r e s a certain portion of apalhy, for a person who can fetch down one bird
in twenty, to resist taking a gun when surrounded by game, flying in all
directions.
Among the great nnmbers of greyhounds kept in India, it would be strange
if there were noi some of the first rale : but such are very scarce; the breed
degenerates, as in the case of the bound, unless frc(|uent crossings from
good blood be obtained. It is wonderful, ibat, in the space of perhaps not
more than four or five generations, the climate should so cliatige tlie animal's
form. Tlu' cars become gradually larger, and pendant ; the bones heavy ; the
hickens and shortens ; the back flattens or sinks ; and (be whole form indicates
what may justly be deemed a change of nature ! Speed and spirit often
fall olV togetlier, as it were keeping parallel in tlieir decline : this appears to be
perfectly conformable to reason, as well as to experience in other matters. Inability
to kee]) up with game, in lime crcates iiKliilerence, and if it does not
occasion a loose bite, never fails to cause a dog to give up a chase which, if
uly persevered in, mighl probably have proved successful. Many hundreds of
logs are ruined by this; wbicli may generally be allributeil to improper treat-
I when fii-st entered. Some aj'c allowed to try their s]ieed and powers unaided
by olhors ; from hieh it fre([uently occurs, that a habit of despondency
is created, from which no recovery can be expected : the first re])ulsc from a
¡ackal is general l y suilicient to intimidate a pup so as never to pluck up courage
lu attack even less vigorous game. 1 have always found it best to let an old
dog of kno\\n intrepidity shew the example, and on such occasions would
recommend that only one horseman attend, whose sole object should be to
watch and encourage the young couples. 1 have remarked, that such dogs as
have been broke without any horseman attending, have proved most sUauncb,
T h e dog should see his master in the field ; bnt being once engaged in the
chase, should disregard every thing but tlie object of pursuit.
T h e hog-deer is found in most of the heavy grass jungles throughout the
lower provinces, and to the northward may be seen in tlie immense join jungles
t h a t border the banks of rivers, and cover those large islands which are sufliciently
elevated to escape inundation, but in the dry season coninuinicale with
t h e banks. Such are their favourite resorts. The soft silky kind of grass used
for making twine, called mooiige, is their choice when to be found. It is not
scarce, but grows chiefly on spots inundated for a very short time, and having
descent enough to drain the water rapidly from its roots : it rarely exceeds
t h r e e feet in height, and being generally very level, and on a firm soil, where
builalos do not take their wallowing fits, the chase may be enjoyed with
p l e a s u r e and safety.
But were an extensive country covered with moonge, and every provision at
hand, the hog-deer would not remain there, unless some very heavy cover, such
as the surpiit, or theyoic, were within an easy distance, in such ihey breed;
seldom leading their fawns to the plains until they arc strong enough to keep
u p with the dams. This, however, they are able to do very well in twcdve or
fifteen days. Antelope fawns are far more easy to obtain, as llie does will kid
in any low grass contiguous to the plains where the herds usually graze ; tiiese,
b e i n g closely watched, they may be seen to frecpient the grass ; and if due exertion
be used, the fawn may be taken soon after its birth, when bring brought
u p under a goat, it will become extremely tame and all'ectionat.e. At a week
old an antelope fawn will bound away l)efore tolerably good greyhounds. The
doe of the hog-deer species is rarel y seen in any advanced state of pregtiancy ;
a t that time she retires to the heavy covers, where she brings foj-th in safety :
t h e bucks being particularly vigilant atid fierce in their defence.
In general hog-deer do not fre(|uent jungles of underwood, and ery