1 82 Horse and Hound. 



of corresponding width. The following letters 

 make the plainest brand, XVUTOHJES, 

 and should be formed perfectly plain. It requires 

 three persons to do the work quickly and cor- 

 rectly, one to hold the head and forelegs, and 

 one the hind quarters and body. Care should be 

 taken not to draw the skin from its natural place. 

 It is best to first remove the hair with shears. 

 The third person handles the iron, which should 

 be heated to a cherry red, and pressed until the 

 flesh is scorched, the hound being released im- 

 mediately. 



There is no danger of his biting any one after 

 the brand has been applied. He will howl a few 

 times, but the pain will be over in a few minutes. 

 The place should be greased or oiled daily until 

 well. Should the burn be too deep and fester, it 

 should be washed with a soft sponge, removing 

 the scab and applying carbolic vaseline. There is 

 less cruelty in the operation than one would sup- 

 pose, much less than in rounding the ears, or 

 docking the tail. 



If one's hounds are well known in the com- 

 munity, and good homers, it may not be neces- 

 sary to brand them. When hunting with the pack 

 in a strange country, they may be temporarily 

 marked upon the sides with paint or dye, as in 

 field trials. 



Occasionally a hound will be found that no 

 amount of treatment, exercise, or food will put 



