LETTER II. 19 



more virulent than in others ; but where a large lot of 

 young hounds come in from their walks, almost at the 

 same time, the distemper will soon break out among 

 them, in some shape or other. Air and exercise, with 

 good and not over high feeding, is the best preventive, 

 or rather preparation, for its attack. As soon as possible 

 after they come into kennel, within a week at least, put 

 the couples on them, and have them out, a few couples 

 at a time, if only for an hour in the day. 



Let the feeder have another man to help him at this 

 time with a boy, if hunting is not over, and keep the 

 young hounds out as long as they can every day. Do 

 not be afraid of their running cur dogs, or worrying 

 sheep, or committing any such enormities. They have 

 been used to these since the day they were first sent out 

 to walk ; but it is no wonder, when, after having been 

 pent up for a month or two within the prison walls, 

 without seeing another living object but themselves and 

 the feeder, they should run after the first animal they 

 see ; whether cur, dog, sheep, or donkey. 



I heard of a lot of young hounds, which, if report 

 speaks true, did actually pull down a young animal of this 

 last harmless race, and that not so very long ago either, 

 even in these scientific and enlightened days. It hap- 

 pened in this wise. I tell the story as it was told to me. 

 The huntsman and two whips were out with the young 

 hounds, then considered sufficiently steady to dispense 

 with couples; at the turning into a wide green lane sud- 

 denly appeared the light and airy form of a young ani- 

 mal of this much despised race ; one look at the com- 

 pany sufficed, and away he went down the lane, trotting, 

 capering, and kicking up his heels ; the ground being 



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