FOXES FOXHOUNDS & FOX-HUNTING 



rougher than it is now. Countries then were 

 far more extensive, and there were no trains or 

 hound-vans to Hghten the labour of going to the 

 meet and returning after hunting. Foxes too 

 were far fewer, and there were more blank days. 

 A blank day or a bad scenting day is harder 

 on hounds than any number of short, fast bursts 

 now so common in the Shires. Nothing tires 

 hounds more than a long day spent in fruitless 

 search for a fox. 



The modern quick system of hunting in the 

 fashionable countries does not of course give 

 hounds a chance to use their noses properly, tor 

 they are over-ridden at nearly every check. 

 The majority of the field are out to gallop and 

 jump, or show off themselves and their horses, 

 and they do not care a jot about hound work. 

 Foxes too are thick on the ground, and if one is 

 lost another is quickly forthcoming. Opinions 

 naturally differ concerning the scenting power 

 of the fashionable type of hound, as compared 

 with other types, such as the fell and Welsh 

 hoimds. Adherents to the fashionable sort say 

 that hounds of that type have too much dash 

 ever to settle to a cold line or quest for the drag 

 of a fox. Any excuse is of course better than none, 

 but we are afraid this one will not hold water. 

 We have seen hounds of the heavy-boned Peter- 

 borough type hunting with the Ullswater, and 

 other fell packs, but we have yet to meet one of 

 that sort that is worth his keep tor work on the 

 fells. Setting aside such a hound's unsuit ability 

 as regards feet and weight, his nose cannot com- 

 pare with the scenting power possessed by the 

 local hounds. Time and again have we seen the 

 latter absolutely outclass the fashionable sort in 

 this respect. As for dash being incompatible 



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