242 BREAKING AND ENTERING. 



to run loose, waiting for the moment when tlie hare is put up by 

 the beaters or by the spaniels, which are occasionally employed. 

 Hounds also are coupled under certain circumstances, but they are 

 never slipped at the moment when game is on foot, and the}^ must 

 therefore be made steady from " riot." 



THE ENTERING OF THE GREYHOUND AND DEERHOUND. 



Whether for public or private coursing, the greyhound should 

 not be suffered to course a hare until he is nearly at maturity ; 

 but as the bitches come to their growth before the dogs, they 

 may be entered earlier than the latter. About the tenth month 

 is the best time for forward bitches, and the twelfth or fourteenth 

 for dogs. If therefore a greyhound is to be allowed to see a 

 hare or two at this age, he or she must be bred early in the 

 year, in order to have a brace late in the spring, so as to be 

 ready for the next season. Some people invariably prefer keep- 

 ing them on to the autumn, and for private coursing there is 

 no reason whatever for beginning so earl}^ ; but j)ublic coursers 

 begin to run their dogs in puppy stakes in the month of October, 

 prior to which there is so little time after the summer is passed, 

 that they prefer beginning in the spring if their dogs are old 

 enough, and if they are not they will not be fit to bring out in 

 October. 



Before being entered the dogs must be taught to lead quietly, 



