TRAINING AND HUNTING 47 



inherited from the dam, while speed, endur- 

 ance and conformation are transmitted from 

 the sire. Even a superficial knowledge of the 

 subject indicates that speed and hunting instinct 

 are among the greater qualities a hound should 

 possess and they are much sought after. But 

 a hound lacking vital force, staunchness, and 

 endurance can never excel. During the kinder- 

 garten course as far as possible pups should be 

 trained under the most favorable hunting con- 

 ditions, and the work made as easy and light 

 as possible. Later on harder problems may 

 be submitted for their solution. An ideal hunt- 

 ing day is when the ground is damp and moist 

 (not frozen) with a heavy atmosphere, a 

 cloudy sky, and light southern breeze. 



At six months of age the average hound's 

 brain is sufficiently developed to enable him to 

 grasp the simpler rudiments of training and 

 to realize that he has a mission in life other 

 than the theft of everything portable he en- 

 counters. At this age his manners should re- 

 ceive proper attention. He should be made 

 acquainted with the sights and sounds of the 

 road, and no better method can be advised 

 than to couple him to a quiet, staid, dignified 

 old hound and road them through the country. 

 As soon as he is disposed to behave himself 



