FOX-HOUNDS 99 



they are bitches, but because they are smaller, 

 and can go with greater ease after a fox in thick 

 cover, brambles, furze, etc., than dogs ; but find 

 dogs the same size as the bitches, and hunt them 

 together, and they will be as often first as the 

 bitches ; and much oftener right, not being naturally 

 so flighty. It might have been added, that to 

 have hounds perfect for work in every sort of 

 country, the dogs should look like bitches, and the 

 bitches should look like dogs. 



It may appear paradoxical, but it is nevertheless 

 true, that the proof of a hound's goodness is, that 

 he is never remarkable during a run ; and there 

 are many good sportsmen who would prefer a 

 hound of this nature than one which is oftener 

 seen at head than any of the rest. Of course a 

 hound that is not remarkable is never last, or where 

 he should not be, but holds the line, and is what 

 is called by some a good line-hunter, which is the 

 criterion of all goodness ; that is, if he hunts and 

 drives a scent, too, without dwelling on it. 



It is observable that large young hounds are 

 not so much disposed for riot as small ones, when 

 they are entered ; and one reason is that they 

 cannot follow it where a small one can, which is 

 frequently proved by a brother and sister. And 

 when large dogs hounds do not work a fox in thick 

 brambles like the bitches, it is that the bitches 



