CHAPTER II 



THE FIRST FOXHOUNDS 



AT what date the first pack of hounds was established, 

 whose labours were exclusively devoted to the pursuit 

 of the fox, is a question which cannot be accurately 

 determined. Doubtless there was a transition between 

 the chase of the stag and the hare to that of the fox 

 which renders the elucidation more obscure than it 

 otherwise would be. It not unfrequently happens, 

 even in the present day, that a gentleman makes his 

 dlbut as a master of hounds in pursuit of the hare, and 

 ultimately converts his pack into fox-hounds. This 

 was the case with the renowned Mr. Corbet and several 

 other sportsmen who have taken high degrees in the 

 noble science. Under similar circumstances it is very 

 fair to conclude that when fox-hunting was becoming, 

 but had not reached, the position of a distinct amuse- 

 ment, the change was brought about by degrees, and 

 that foxes, stags, and hares were hunted by the same 

 pack. Indeed, that practice has been continued in 

 some of the provincial countries during the present 

 century. 



When game became more abundant and foxes more 

 numerous, the inconvenience of such a system could 

 not fail to be experienced ; for although I have heard 

 wonderful tales of hounds in the olden time staunchly 

 adhering to the scent of fox on one day and hare on 

 the next, whichever they might happen to find in the 

 first instance, I must confess want of faith. Besides, 

 the style of hunting which is perfection in the fox-hound 

 is not desirable in the harrier. To follow the hare 

 through her various windings, short turnings, and foil- 



