64 Modern Dogs. 



early otter hunting was considered royal sport, the 

 otter was only placed in the third class of the beasts 

 of the chase, ranking with the badger and the wild 

 cat — even the timid hare and the hard-biting marten 

 taking precedence. However, that he was highly 

 valued, even in those days, for the amusement 

 afforded, may be inferred from the fact that Ed- 

 ward II. (time 1307), had, as part of his house- 

 hold, a huntsman and subordinates to look after 

 his otter hounds. Sometimes the King's otter 

 hunter resided in the hall, and was served there ; 

 on other occasions he had his own residence, and 

 lived as he liked. Anyhow, he had " twelve otter 

 dogges " in his care, and in addition a couple of 

 greyhounds. Then there were ''two boys" to 

 look after the hounds and feed them. The master 

 of the otter hounds was, as the times went, fairly 

 well rewarded for his duties, he receiving in addi- 

 tion to " a robe in cloth yearly, or a mark in money " 

 — the latter 13^. 4d. — and an extra allowance of 

 four shillings and eightpence for shoes, twopence 

 per day wages. Each of the so-called '' boys " 

 vvas remunerated at the rate of three halfpence per 

 day. The latter did not appear to have any per- 

 quisites (tips are a more modern institution), but 

 they would doubtless reside in the house or at the 

 kennels. 



