544 MODERN FARRIER. 



Lest the wild hound run gadding o'er the plain 

 Untractable, nor hear thy chiding voice.' 



The natural eagerness of the hounds will, at such 

 a time as tliis, frequently carry even the best of 

 them wide of the scent, which too much encourage- 

 ment, or pressing too close upon them, may conti- 

 nue beyond all possibility of recovery ; this should 

 be always guarded against. After a little while, 

 you have less to fear. You may then approach 

 them nearer, and encourage them more ; leaving, 

 however, at all times, sufficient room for them to 

 turn, should they over-run the scent. On high 

 roads and dry paths, be always doubtful of the 

 scent, nor give them much encouragement; but 

 when a hit is made on either side, you may halloo 

 as much as you please, nor can you then encourage 

 your hounds too much. A hare generally describes 

 a circle as she runs ; larger or less, according to her 

 strength, and the openness of the country. In in- 

 closures, and where there is much cover, the circle 

 is for the most part so small, that it is a constant 

 puzzle to the hounds. They have a gordian knot, 

 in that case, ever to unloose ; and though it may 

 afford matter or speculation to the philosopher, it is 

 always contrary to the wishes of the sportsman. 



' Huntsman ! her gait observe : if in wide rings 

 She wheel her mazy way, in the same round 

 Persisting still, she'll foil the beaten track. 

 But if she fly, and with the fav'ring wind 

 Urge her bold course, less intricate thy task : 

 Push on thy pack.' 



Besides running the foil, they frequently make 

 doubles, which is going forward, to tread the same 

 steps back again, on purpose to confuse their pur- 

 suers ; and the same manner in which they make 

 the first double, they generally continue, whether 

 long or short. This information therefore, if pro- 

 perly attended to by the huntsman, may also be of 

 use to him in his casts. 



