THE BADMINTON HUNT. 45 



under any consideration. Many have in- 

 formed me they reduce the strength of the 

 ordinary broth, while some few maintain it 

 in its ordinary integrity. Those who use no 

 broth never dress their hounds, simply be- 

 cause they do not require it. Those who 

 use broth diluted, dress mildly ; and those 

 who use strong broth, dress in proportion. 

 I have long entertained an opinion that 

 dressing hounds is an ancient custom which 

 ought to be abolished. The applications 

 resorted to in olden times were powerful 

 and painful in the extreme. I have a for- 

 mula which was used in a celebrated kennel 

 in Lincolnshire, composed of tar, gun- 

 powder, turpentine, sulphur, and train oil, 

 which was frequently applied twice a year. 

 As to the effects of broth, it is well known 

 that if we partake of soups to any extent 

 they create thirst, and are therefore inter- 

 dicted when training for any athletic en- 

 gagement. Hence one argument a^-ainst 



