80 THOUGHTS ON HUNTING 



take any notice of them : they also draw covers with 

 them ; selecting those where they can best see their 

 hounds, and most easily command them, and where 

 there is the least chance to find a fox. On these 

 occasions, I had rather they should have to rate their 

 hounds than encourage them. It requires less judg- 

 ment, and, if improperly done, is less dangerous in 

 its consequences. One halloo of encouragement to a 

 wrong scent, more than undoes all that you have 

 been doing. 



When young hounds begin to love a scent, it 

 may be of use to turn out a badger before them : 

 you will then be able to discover what improvement 

 they have made. I mention a badger, on a supposi- 

 tion that young foxes cannot so well be spared ; 

 besides, the badger, being a slower animal, he may 

 easily be followed, and driven the way you choose 

 he should run. 



The day you intend to turn out a fox, or badger, 

 you will do well to send them amongst hares, or 

 deer. A little rating and flogging, before they are 

 encouraged to vermin, is of the greatest use ; as it 

 teaches them as well what they should not, as what 

 they should, do. I have known a badger run several 

 miles, if judiciously managed ; for which purpose, 

 he should be turned out in a very open country, 

 and followed by a person who has more sense than 

 to ride on the line of him. If he do not meet with a 

 cover, or hedge, in his way, he will keep on for 

 several miles ; if he do, you will not be able to 

 get him any farther. You should give him a great 



