254 HARE-HUNTING 



in front of hounds to put a hare up, but you should 

 not allow this, and if you think one has been 

 drawn over they can walk behind you. No one 

 should be before hounds at any time. Hounds 

 that always have their hare found for them get 

 very slack and are of little use in a run when she 

 lies down. Encourage them to draw in front of 

 you, and do not rate a hound because he feathers 

 on some scent which you think is not a hare. 

 Remember he commits no fault unless he actually 

 opens on a line which you have proof yourself is 

 not that of a hare. Sometimes at the beginning 

 of the season, or when your pack is rather wild, it 

 is advisable for some one to put the hare away, 

 and you can lay them on when she is out of sight. 

 This must be done very quietly without any 

 halloaing, and if it looks a fair scenting-day you 

 may give the hare two minutes' start, when you 

 can walk quietly up to the spot where the finder 

 is holding up his cap, and encourage them to put 

 their heads down. 



Experience only will teach you the most likely 

 places to find a hare, and then if you go into 

 another country all your preconceived ideas will 

 be at fault. It is the nature of the hare to pro- 



