FOXHOUNDS AND HARRIERS. 247 



If, however, the huntsman takes them out daily in the morning 

 on the road, which hardens their feet, and in the evening in the 

 paddock, they are so orderly that anything may be done with 

 them. For this purpose the men should be mounted in the morn- 

 ing, but in the evening they may be on foot. 



Gub-hunting, Avhich is the name given to the process by which 

 young hounds are entered, begins in August as soon as the 

 corn is cut, and the time will therefore vary with the season 

 and the country. In some places, as in the New Forest for 

 instance, it may be carried on at any time, but this month is early 

 enough. It is better to take out the old hounds once or twice 

 till they have recovered their summer idleness, as a good example 

 is everything to the young hound. When the young entry are to 

 be brought out, it is very desirable to find as quickly as possible, 

 and some cautious huntsmen go so far as to keep them coupled 

 till the old hounds have found their fox ; but if they have been 

 made steady from " riot " there is no occasion for this. If, however, 

 they have never been rated for " riot," there is no great harm in 

 their hunting hare or anything else at first, till they know what 

 they ought to do ; after which they must be rigidly kept to their 

 game. But cub-hunting is not solely intended to break in and 

 " enter '^ the hound, it has also for its object to disperse the foxes 

 from the large woodlands which form their chief holds in all 

 countries ; and, as these cannot show good sport during the season, 

 they are well routed before it commences, to drive the foxes into 

 smaller coverts, while at the same time the hounds may be ren- 

 dered steady, and by practice enabled to work their fox. Very often 



