TRAINING. 77 



prescribed, but great and sudden changes are dangerous, 

 and the above I know to be most excellent. 



Barley meal is very fattening, and Indian corn meal 

 too heating. If the bowels get constipated, add to the 

 diet boiled bullock's liver, or some boiled carrots or 

 cabbage pressed free from water, rather than resort to 

 medicine. 



The value of exercise given by a man on horseback, or 

 simply on foot, and by slipping the dogs, is variously 

 estimated by coursing men. I am of opinion that, when 

 possible, use should be made of the horse, as by that 

 means greater variety of pace is secured. From fifteen 

 to twenty miles a day is not too much, but it is prefer- 

 able to give it in two instalments early morning and 

 afternoon so as, from the latter, to return by feeding time. 

 Before the morning exercise a bit of biscuit should be 

 given, for it is quite as great a mistake to give strong 

 exercise to any animal on an entirely empty stomach as 

 on a full one. 



The judgment of the trainer is again called into requi- 

 sition in regulating the pace to suit the requirements of 

 the dogs, varying it to every degree of speed. He may 

 also have to sort the dogs with different constitutions, 

 taking them in relays, or reserving some for foot exercise 

 and slipping only. 



Some men prefer, and others by compulsion have to train 

 the dogs on foot. The practice of reducing the flesh by 

 making the dogs wear heavy clothing is obsolete, and the 

 exercise of the mill as a mode of developing muscle has 

 always, so far as I am aware, been confined to fighting 

 dogs; nor do I think it would be at all suitable to the 



