LETTER XVI. 



When hounds run over the open or in covert, they 

 should carry a good head — that is, spread wide, and not 

 tail (as the hunting phrase is) one after another. A pack 

 of hounds which spread wide have, of course, a much 

 better chance with the scent than a long line of hounds 

 following their leader. To whichever side a fox may turn 

 in the chase, one hound or other, when they run wide, 

 will take up the scent, and the body so go on together 

 wthout being brought to a check. A hound which run 

 mute, or is a skirter, should be drafted ; they will both 

 do a great deal of mischief. 



An old foxhunter once remarked to me that there was 

 a wide distinction between hounds running at a scent, 

 and carrying it with them ; and there is much force in 

 this observation. A good pack of hounds should go with 

 the scent, and not beyond it, turning always with it — 

 in short, quick hounds ; these will seldom go beyond it. 

 Others dash at the scent, and most frequently dash over 

 it. They have then to recover 1;heir lost ground. Here 

 lies the distinction between a quick hound and a fast 

 one ; both, perhaps, equal in speed, but doing their work 

 in a different style. The fable of the hare and the tor- 

 toise may be quoted as an instance to show what a 

 steady pace, with perseverance, may accomplish. I do 



