38 SYSTEM OF KENNEL AND 



monkey's allowance, in more senses than one. The 

 experiment having been tried over and over again 

 of rearing young hounds in the kennel, without 

 success, masters are obliged to send them out, and 

 run all risks. Two or three may be bred up at 

 home, if allowed to run about the premises ; but if 

 confined within four walls, without daily exercise, 

 their feet will bear a nearer resemblance to those 

 of a duck than those of a cat. Moreover, home 

 education is as objectionable for young foxhounds 

 as it is for young gentlemen. 



The best time for their return to the kennel is 

 about the end of March, when the hunting season 

 has nearly expired, and the huntsman has more 

 leisure to bestow attention upon them. If hunting 

 is continued through the next month, as happens in 

 some large establishments, the care of the young 

 hounds must devolve principally upon the feeder, 

 except on non-hunting days. The best plan is to 

 have all brought home about the same time, and to 

 make your first draft directly, sending the others 

 away before the distemper breaks out among the 

 lot. More room will thus be afforded to those 

 selected for the entry, and consequently less dread 

 from virulent disease, since from overcrowded 

 lodging-houses this scourge of the canine race 

 assumes a most pestilential character. It is far 

 better, therefore, to send away at once those young 

 hounds not likely to suit your purpose, that more 

 room and better attendance may be given to the 

 chosen few, than keep the whole until the distemper 

 has been overcome. In the first case, of course. 



