BREAK OFF FROM THE HUNTSMAN 67 



hounds are to have their whey at a distant dairy, on 

 those days both old and young may be taken out 

 together, observing only to take the young hounds in 

 couples when the old ones are along with them. 

 Young hounds are always ready for any kind of 

 mischief, and idleness might make even old ones too 

 apt to join them in it. Besides, should they break off 

 from the huntsman, the whipper-in is generally too ill- 

 mounted at this season of the year, easily to head and 

 bring them back. Run no such risk. My hounds 

 were near being spoiled, by the mere accident of a 

 horse's falling : the whipper-in was thrown from his 

 horse ; the horse ran away, and the whole pack 

 followed : a flock of sheep, which were at a little 

 distance, took fright, began to run, and the hounds 

 pursued them : the most vicious set on the rest, and 

 several sheep were soon pulled down and killed. I 

 mention this, to show you what caution is necessary 

 while hounds are idle; for though the fall of the horse 

 was not to be attributed to any fault of the man, yet 

 had the old hounds been taken out by themselves, or 

 had all the young ones been in couples, it is probable 

 that so common an accident would not have produced 

 so extraordinary an effect. 



It is now time to stoop them to a scent. You had 

 better enter them at their own game : it will save you 

 much trouble afterwards. Many dogs, I believe, like 

 that scent best which they were first blooded to ; but 

 be that as it may, it is certainly most reasonable to 

 use them to that which it is intended they should 

 hunt. It may not be amiss, when they first begin 



