246 MANAGEMENT OF HOUNDS. 



ance in print — and why not ? Are not the votaries of the 

 noble science as two to one, in comparison of coursers ? 

 I mean no offence, neither do I intend any reflection 

 upon my friends of the leash, or their long dogs. Every 

 man to his taste. Coursing is a very quiet, gentlemanly 

 amusement, and I admire a handsome greyhound as 

 much as any one can. But I could never fancy coursing 

 after fox-hunting. It is like small beer after the finest 

 champagne, 



I would suggest to the proprietor of BelVs Life^ at the 

 beginning of each season, to request the huntsman of 

 every old-established pack to send a short list of their 

 stallion hounds, not more than half-a-dozen , with their 

 names, ages, pedigrees, and height. This list would not 

 occupy more space than the column generally assigned to 

 fixtures during the hunting season, and if published at 

 the end of October, before the regular hunting com- 

 mences, it would be a capital way to commence business 

 in that line. It must also be very acceptable to all 

 masters of foxhounds, as well as the lovers of the sport. 

 I name October because it is at least a good month be- 

 fore the coupling season begins, and it would enable 

 masters of hounds to send to any favourite blood in dis- 

 tant kennels, now that the facilities of travelling are so 

 great. I have myself, in past times, sent my bitches 

 nearly 200 miles, with a man, horse, and light cart, to a 

 favourite kennel. That distance may now be accom- 

 plished in about eight hours, and for a tenth part of the 

 expense. 



We have seldom an opportunity of knowing what ele- 

 ments distant kennels are composed of. Runs are re- 

 corded, it is true, of almost every pack, and there is 



