HARE-HUNTING 253 



supporters. The preliminary days the master has 

 only to consider himself and his hounds, without a 

 thought as to the pleasure of his field. The first 

 two or three mornings he goes out, let him start 

 as soon as it is light, and hunt the hare to her 

 form by her previous night's wanderings. There 

 should be no halloaing, and he should have two 

 attentive whips to administer punishment when 

 required. When he has killed a hare, let him 

 return to kennel at once. 



The whole future season depends on the manner 

 in which these preliminary days are conducted : 

 when the pack have been well blooded, have 

 gained confidence in themselves and their hunts- 

 man, are free from riot and are under proper 

 control, then you may look forward to a time 

 when you will enjoy the fruits of your labours. 



Although I do not think a hound often finds a 

 hare unless it is in the morning, I believe in letting 

 them try, and they should always be made to draw 

 for themselves. They then depend more on their 

 own powers, and are not always staring about for 

 a halloa. Try what you think the most likely part 

 of the field with the pack, and let the beaters work 

 the uncertain portions. Beaters sometimes go on 



