318 HOUNDS. 



sportsmen. I have seen a field out, when, of twelve horses, 

 ten would probably average at one hundred guineas each ; and 

 the remaining two (brothers, Jerry and Lancet) were reported 

 to have cost the noble owner five hundred guineas apiece. 

 When the dangers of a stone-wall country and the desperate 

 riding of the men are considered, these are indeed sporting 

 prices. And yet accidents of a serious character are not 

 frequent ; every horse that has been ridden to hounds is 

 generally blemished more or less ; but it is astonishing in such 

 a country and with such riders, how long some noble hunters 

 have lasted. 



The hounds, with few exceptions, are inferior. They are 

 seldom properly kennelled, or regularly hunted. Masters 

 of hounds in the West seem careless to all considerations 

 beyond having a pack that can go high and keep tolerably 

 well together. In sizing aud draughting dogs* they are by 

 no means particular, and hence the ensemble of many a kennel 

 is materially injured. In home management and field turn- 

 out, they are infinitely behind their English brethren : the 

 packs are carelessly hunted the kennel servants badly ap- 

 pointedand I have met men upon the plains able to take a 

 horse over any thing that hand and heart could carry him, 

 who to a stranger would appear, from " the wildness of their 

 attire," to be desperate apprentices levanting with their 

 master's property. 



And yet, after this eulogy upon the splendid horsemanship 

 of the Western gentlemen, it may appear singular that I add, 

 few of them ride well to hounds. An impatience in the field, 

 and the anxiety to be foremost where all are forward, interferes 

 constantly with the dogs, and causes a pressure upon the 



* The same remark may be made respecting the setters and pointers in 

 general use among the Connaught sportsmen. Many admirable dogs 

 will be met occasionally ; but there appears to be little pains taken in 

 matching the females ; and in the same kennel you will nnd an inter- 

 mixture of different and discordant stocks. Not unfrequeutly I have seen 

 a man shooting to setters, pointers, and droppers, on the same heath, 

 and hunting all indiscriminately. 



As to greyhounds, they are in little request excepting in the mountain 

 districts and those principally kept are of the rough and wiry species, 

 or the small smooth breed, which from their lightness are best adapted 

 for the soft bogs which form the coursing-grounds. 



