NIMROD'S NORTHERN TOUR. 129 



Buccleuch's pack ranks third or fourth among'st the ciack packs of 

 the kingdom. All I can add is, lon.>- may it continue to do so. 



In the field. To enable a man to form a correct estimate of the 

 merits or demerits of fox-hounds in the field, he ought to hunt more 

 with them than it was in my power to hunt with these. He should 

 in fact see them in all situations and difficulties in which hounds are 

 seen — on good scenting days and on bad; in wind and in storm; with a 

 good fox and a bad one ; amidst every description of riot, and amidst it 

 at all times of the day ; and at all periods of their work ; when much 

 pressed upon by horsemen ; at the end of a severe burst, as well as at 

 the finish of a long- run. In each of these situations, with the excep- 

 tion of high wind, have I seen the Duke of Buccleuch's hounds, al- 

 though not often. With allowance for this circumstance, then, must 

 my opinion be received. 



In chase. Whether hounds can carry a good head, depends upon 

 two things — a good fox and a good scent. Whether they can carry it 

 to the end of a severe run also depends upon two things— good condi- 

 tion, and judgment in drafting the pack. With one exception, which I 

 shall allude to hereafter, the Duke of Buccleuch's pack appeared to me 

 to be sufficiently perfect in this respect. As to riot— I never saw them 

 amongst roe-deer, but amongst hares no hounds need be steadier. In - 

 deed from the opportunity Williamson has in the summer of walking 

 them through hares, and drawing the small clumps in the park, where 

 they abound, they cannot well be otherwise, manned as they are. 



As to nose— it is the fashion of the day to doubt the low-scenting 

 powers of very high-bred fox-hounds, but this results from prejudice. 



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