434 THE IMPROVED ART OF FARRIERY. 



" They who like to rise early, have amusement in 

 seeing the hare trailed to her form ; it is of great ser- 

 vice to hounds ; it also shows their goodness to the 

 huntsman more than any other hunting, as it dis- 

 covers to him those who have the most tender noses." 



The same author thus describes the sport of hare- 

 hunting, and lays down some excellent rules : — 



" When the game is found, you cannot be too 

 quiet. The hare is an animal so very timorous, that 

 she is frequently headed back, and your dogs are liable 

 to overrun the scent at every instant ; it is best, there- 

 tore, to keep a considerable way behind them, that 

 they may have room to turn, as soon as they perceive 

 they have lost the scent ; and if treated in this manner, 

 they will seldom overrun it much. Your hounds, 

 through the whole chase, should be left almost entirely 

 to themselves, nor should they be hallooed too much. 

 "When the hare doubles, they should hunt through 

 those doubles : nor is a hare hunted fairly, when 

 hunted otherwise. They should follow her every step 

 she takes, as well over greasy fallows, as through large 

 flocks of sheep ; nor should they ever be cast, but 

 when nothing can be done without it. 



Let all be hushed! 



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 as this, frequently carry even the best of them 

 wide of the scent, which too much encouragement, or 

 pressing too close upon them, may continue beyond 

 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 encourage 

 them more ; leaving, however, at all times, sufficient 



