342 FRANK forester's fjeld sports. 



united with a capability, from full wind and perfect vigor, to go 

 through all the exercises required of them. It is, therefore, 

 evident that condition is of material consequence to sporlsmen ; 

 indeed, it is of infinitely more importance than is generally im- 

 ao-ined. What would be thought of that sporting character who 

 should enter his horse for racing without any previous training? 

 and how much chance would he be presumed to have, even to 

 ' save Ms distance,' without this precaution 1 Is it not equally 

 reasonable to suppose that Pointers, Setters, Spaniels, and more 

 than all. Greyhounds,* require training; or, in other Avords 

 to be in full condition also 1 It is notorious, that Pointers, Set- 

 ters, and Spaniels, if they are what is termed Joul in their coats, 

 never have their scent in perfection. It must be equally evident 

 that, unless they are ' in zcind,' they cannot range with speed 

 and durability ; and without some previous training, it is impos- 

 sible they should be so. Those persons, therefore, who exjDect 

 superior exertion from their dogs in the field, would do well to 

 prepare them by a previous attention to their condition. In 

 Greyhounds, intended either for matrJtcs or for simj)h coursing, 

 it is evident that this is absolutely necessary to insure success. 

 In simple coursing, they are pitted against an animal very 

 nearly equal in speed to themselves, and always in condition by 

 its habits. If, therefore, a dog of acknowledged goodness is 

 beaten by a Hare, especially at the beginnhig of the season, it 

 is ten to one but the condition of the dog is at fault. It is self- 

 evident that perfect condition must be moie than equally impor- 

 tant in coViX^wig matches ; wliere a dog has two competitors to 

 beat, the Hare and the other dog. 



" The manner of getting dogs into condition is very simjdc, and 



* I was, at first, about to omit that part relating to Greyhounds, as in conse- 

 quence of there existing no animal in the Eastern States fit for their pursuit, and 

 consequently no field for their powers, they are useless, and only kept as pets. 

 I am, however, so well assured that they must come into use to the Westward, 

 and that the finest sport conceivable might be had with them on the prairies iu 

 pursuit of the Deer, the Antelope, and with the large Scotch wiry breed of the 

 Elk and Wolf also, that I have resolved to retain the whole passage. 



