SCIENCE OF FOXHUNTING. 85 



cracking of whips, and vehement objurgations 

 follow, which scare the good, and create great con- 

 fusion. Even of the shortest pack, not exceeding 

 thirty couples, we would rather make two divisions 

 than adopt this plan. Ten or a dozen old hounds 

 are quite enough, where more cannot be spared, to 

 teach an entry of double their number how to set 

 about their business ; and this little knot of veterans 

 holding together, is quite sufficient to kill a brace 

 of cubs, or more if desired, without any other 

 assistance. The young ones may push away upon 

 other scents — so let them — full of spirits and high 

 courage. Certain allowance must be made for the 

 exhibition of these, before they know the scent of 

 their legitimate game ; and probably many of the 

 entry have done a bit of hare-hunting at their 

 walks, with Shag and Viper ; but when once 

 blooded to fox, well-bred foxhounds rarely give 

 much trouble afterwards to the whippers-in. 



For the first morning's cub-hunting, the easiest 

 covert for killing them should be selected ; and as 

 fixtures are never made previously on such occasions, 

 the choice of weather rests with the huntsman — so 

 far at least that there is no necessity for beginning 

 on a windy, unpropitious day. In a dry autumn, 

 early dawn is the most favourable time for scent, 

 and the drao: of cubs to their kennel when barred 

 out from their earths easily followed up by saga- 

 cious old hounds. There is another advantage with 

 "peep-o'-day hunting : cubs or foxes are not in a 

 condition, from a late supper, or very early break- 

 fast, to run long before their enemies — in fact they 



