LETTER XI 



I HAVE already observed, that a trail in the morning is of great service 

 to hounds ; and that, to be perfect, they should always find their 

 own game ; for the method of hare-finding, though more convenient, will 

 occasion some vices in them, which it will be impossible to correct. 



Mr. Somerville's authority strengthens my observation ; that, when 

 a hare is found, all should be quiet ; nor should you ride near your hounds 

 till they are well settled to the scent. 



Let all be hush'd, 



No clamour loud, no frantic joy be heard 

 Lest the wild hound run gadding o'er the plain 

 Untractable, nor hear thy chiding voice. 



The natural eagerness of the hounds will, at such a time/Jjfrequently 

 carry even the best of them wide of the scent ; which too much encourage- 

 ment, or pressing too close upon them, may continue beyond all possibility 

 of recovery : this should be always guarded against. After a little while 

 you have less to fear. ;You may then approach them nearer, and encour- 

 age them more ; leaving, however, at all times, sufficient room for them 

 to turn, should they over-run the scent. On high roads, and dry paths, 

 be always doubtful of the scent ; nor give them much encouragement ; 

 but when a hit is made on either side, you may halloo as much as you 

 please ; nor can you then encourage your hounds too much. A hare 

 generally describes a circle as she runs ; larger, or less, according to her 

 strength and the openness of the country. In inclosures, and where there 

 is much cover, the circle is, for the most part, so small, that it is a 

 constant puzzle to the hounds. They have a Gordian knot, in that case, 

 ever to unloose ; and though it may afford matter of speculation to the 

 philosopher, it is always contrary to the wishes of the sportsman : such 

 was the country that I hunted in for many years. 



Huntsman ! her gait observe : if in wide rings 

 She wheel her mazy way, in the same round 

 Persisting still, she'll foil the beaten track. 

 But if she fly, and with the fav'ring wind 

 Urge her bold course, less intricate thy task : 

 Push on thy pack. SOMERVILLE. 



Besides running the foil, they frequently make doubles ; which is going 

 forward, to tread the same steps back again, on purpose to confuse their 



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