LETTER IV 



I AM glad that you do not disapprove the advantage I have made of my 

 friend Somerville. I was doubtful whether you would not have 

 censured me for it, and have compared me to some of those would-be fine 

 gentlemen, who, to cut a figure, tack an embroidered edging on their coarse 

 cloth. I shall be cautious, however, of abusing your indulgence, and 

 shall not quote my poet of tener than is necessary ; but where we think 

 the same thing, you had better take it in his words than mine. I shall 

 now proceed to the feeding of hounds, and management of them in the 

 kennel. 



A good feeder is an essential part of your establishment. Let him 

 be young and active, and have the reputation at least of not disliking 

 work : he should be good-tempered, for the sake of the animals entrusted 

 to his care ; and who, however they may be treated by him, cannot com- 

 plain. He should be one who will strictly obey any orders that you may 

 give, as well with regard to the management as to the breeding of the 

 hounds ; and should not be solely under the direction of your huntsman. 

 It is true, I have seen it otherwise : I have known a pack of hounds belong, 

 as it were, entirely to the huntsman ; a stable of horses belong to the 

 groom ; while the master had little more power in the direction of either, 

 than a perfect stranger. This you will not allow. I know that you choose 

 to keep the supreme command in your own hands ; and, though you 

 permit your servants to remonstrate, you do not suffer them to disobey. 

 He who allows a huntsman to manage his hounds without control, literally 

 keeps them for the huntsman's amusement. You desire to know what is 

 required of a feeder : I will tell you as well as I can. 



As our sport depends entirely on that exquisite sense of smelling so 

 peculiar to the hound, care must be taken to preserve it ; and cleanliness 

 is the surest means. The keeping your kennel sweet and clean, cannot 

 therefore be too much recommended to the feeder ; nor should you on 

 any account, admit the least deviation from it. If he sees you exact, he 

 will be so himself. This is a very essential part of his business. The boil- 

 ing for the hounds, mixing of the meat, and getting it ready for them at 

 proper hours, your huntsman will of course take care of ; nor is it ever 

 likely to be forgotten. I must caution you not to let your dogs eat their 

 meat too hot ; I have known it attended with bad consequences ! you should 



