FELI. HOUNDS 



hounds vary to some extent in the matter of size 

 and bone, but the latter is never more than 

 light or medium, for heavy bone means weight, 

 and handicaps a hound on rough ground. The 

 majority of fell hounds throw their tongues 

 freely, a very desirable quality on the hills where 

 hounds are often out of sight for long periods. 

 They have capital noses, which enable them to 

 hunt the drag of a fox before unkennelling him. 

 They are noted too for their courage and stamina, 

 as the many records of long runs amply testify. 

 When it comes to pace, the speed of the fell hounds 

 on a real good scenting day must be seen to be 

 believed. Many of the bitches are remarkable 

 for their pace, and the same applies to the 

 smaller and lighter built dog hounds. There are 

 usually a few extra fast hounds in a pack, and it 

 is these that lead the way when scent is breast 

 high. These speedy hounds are not always as 

 keen on hunting the drag as they are at chasing a 

 fox after he has been unkennelled, although many 

 of them show marked ability in both respects. 

 The older and more experienced members of the 

 pack do the main of the work on the drag, and 

 though perhaps not quite so fast as the leaders in 

 actual chase, they are generally there or there- 

 about at a check, and soon put matters right. 

 A four or five season hound is at his best on the 

 fells, whereas a hound belonging to a fashionable 

 pack may be drafted at the end of his fourth 

 season. Being on foot, the huntsman can only 

 give very occasional assistance to his hounds, 

 therefore they depend on their own initiative and 

 are very keen and persevering. 



In a riding country, the huntsman has the 

 assistance of two whippers-in if hounds divide, 

 and it is seldom that a single hound gets away 



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