Past and Present, 169 



A Few Points to be Observed on the 

 Working of Hounds. 



Before closing this chapter, I think a few 

 remarks under the above heading may not be 

 inappropriate. For instance, when hounds run 

 for any considerable distance in a perfectly 

 straight line — when not viewing their fox, or 

 cheeking in a strong wind, without swerving 

 to the right or left in order to catch the scent — 

 you may almost invariably conclude that they 

 are running false. 



I recollect my father telling me that on one 

 occasion when he was out with the late Duke of 

 Cleveland's hounds, and when leading the field, 

 he drew rein, and the Duke on passing asked 

 why he had done so. 



"The hounds are not running a yard, your 

 Grace," promptly answered my father. 



"Nonsense!" exclaimed the Duke, galloping 

 on. But he had not gone very far before he 

 also found they were off the line of scent, and 



