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CHAPTER VII. 



" First let tlie kennel be the huntsman's care, 

 Upon some little eminence erect, 

 And fronting to the ruddy dawn ; its courts 

 On either hand wide opening to receive 



The sun's all-cheering beams, when mild he shines ^ 



And gilds the mountain tops." Somerville. 



There is no place where the breeding or care of fox- 

 hound puppies, at their walks, is managed so well as 

 at Berkeley Castle ; at least no place that has ever 

 come within ray observation where such strict rules 

 are so widely maintained. The tenants are obhged 

 to walk one or two puppies, according to the extent 

 of their farms ; and the gamekeeper, within whose 

 district they are, is expected to visit those puppies 

 and report if they are not going on well, or, in other 

 words, if they have not their liberty, or do not look 

 fat and happy. This constant care and observation 

 is of the utmost service, not only in the rearing of 

 fine puppies, but to the public at large ; not only to 

 the hunting public, but to all ; for as a hundred 

 couples of puppies, more or less, are sent forth to 

 range the fields every year, till the period comes of 

 returning them full-grown to the kennel, if they 

 were neglected, and hydrophobia should break out, 

 it is impossible to conceive the damage that might 

 occur to man and beast ! The precaution adopted, 

 and this keen surveillance, I have not a doubt saved 

 my kennel at Harrold, and perhaps myself, as well 

 as my men, from considerable danger. When my 



