THE CASTING OF HOUNDS 163 



hounds : they should never halloo to them when the 

 hounds are at fault : the least thin" - does hurt at such 

 a time, but a halloo more than any other. The hunts- 

 man, at a check, had better let his hounds alone, or 

 content himself with holding them forward, without 

 taking them off their noses. Hounds that are not 

 used to be cast, a tout boict de champ, will of themselves 

 acquire a better cast than it is in the power of any 

 huntsman to give them ; will spread more, and try 

 better for the scent ; and, if in health and spirits, will 

 want no encouragement. 



Should they be at fault, after having made their 

 own cast (which the huntsman should always first 

 encourage them to do), it is then his business to assist 

 them farther ; but, except in some particular instances, 

 I never approve of their being cast, as long as they are 

 inclined to hunt. The first cast I bid my huntsman 

 make, is generally a regular one ; not choosing to rely 

 entirely on his judgment : if that should not succeed, 

 he is then at liberty to follow his own opinion, and 

 proceed as observation and genius may direct. When 

 such a cast is made, I like to see some mark of good 

 sense and meaning in it ; whether down the wind, or 

 towards some likely cover, or strong earth : however, 

 as it is, at best, uncertain, and as the huntsman and 

 the fox may be of different opinions, I always wish to 

 see a regular cast before I see a knowing one ; which 

 as a last resource, should not be called forth till it be 

 wanted. The letting hounds alone is but a negative 

 goodness in a huntsman ; whereas, it is true, this last 

 shows real genius ; and, to be perfect, it must be born 



