COURSING, a method of hunting hares by greyhounds, in which the dogs follow the game by sight, instead of by scent. C. is of very ancient date, having been practiced by the Greeks. Within the last 20 years, however, its popularity as a sport has greatly increased, and the breed of the greyhound is now studied with nearly the same care and zest as that of the race-horse. The method pursued in C. is briefly as follows: Meetings are held in open districts, well frequented by hares, where the greyhounds —technically called " dogs," as foxhounds are technically called " hounds "—are entered by their owners for a variety of stakes, which are to be competed for—C.. in this respect, partaking of the nature of a race between horses. The first thing done is to select a judge to decide upon the merits of the best dogs; second, a "slipper" is appointed to hold the dogs in leash, and start them at the hare; and, third, a flag steward is chosen, who remains near the judge and announces the color of the victori ous dog by means of a red or white flag, according as the competitors are arranged.
The next thing done is to "beat" the field for a hare. When one is found, the judge usually allows it 80 or 100 yards " law " before he cries to the "slipper" to let the dogs '• go." Upon the word "go," the "slipper" liberates the animals by a spring attached to the "slips"—i.e., the long strong cord held. by the "slipper" and communica ting with the leathern collarS fixed round the necks of the dogs. The judge's duties now begin in earnest. He follows the dogs wherever they go, calculating carefully the num ber of " points" made by each—a point" being any meritorious achievement on the part of the dogs (as when the one outstrips the other at any time, or turns the hare, i.e., causes it to "double"); and at last lie adjudges the victory, not necessarily to the dog which has killed the hare, but to the one which has made the most points during the course, i.e., which has exhibited the finest qualities of speed, sagacity, endurance, etc.