Hounds at Work 



soon as the puppy shows a disposition to 

 hunt, send the runner off without being 

 viewed. As greater proficiency is reached 

 allow a longer interval to elapse between 

 the laying-on of the hound and the starting 

 of the runner. The colder a line you can 

 get the hound to hunt the better. At least 

 you should endeavour to make him reach 

 such a degree of proficiency that the hunted 

 man may have three hours' start on a fair 

 scenting day. It is desirable to vary your 

 runners, and to have the line crossed by others 

 at certain places, which may be indicated 

 by sticks in order that you may check the 

 hound if he shows any disposition to change. 

 I must not forget to mention that the clean 

 boot, i.e. a boot that has not been dressed 

 in any way, should only be hunted. You 

 will frequently notice that the hound will 

 work some way down wind, parallel with 

 the original line taken by the quarry. If 

 you ride, give the hound plenty of room, as 

 he has a rooted objection to being ridden 



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