120 HUNTING. 



seem to agree in this, at least — to speak indifferently of one 

 another.' We wish only to guard ourselves against miscon- 

 ception, and our readers against disappointment. And so to 

 our business. 



As no man would think of buying a pack of hounds who was 

 not sure of a place to keep them in, we will begin with the kennel. 

 In building a kennel, as has been very pertinently observed, 

 there are two capital points to be remembered ; firstly, the means 

 of the builder ; secondly, the extent of his hunting estabhshment. 

 The kennels at Goodwood, for example, cost several thousand 

 pounds ; those at Woburn have, or had, a frontage of 455 feet. 

 On the other hand, kennels sufficient for all practical purposes 

 may be built on a much more modest and frugal plan from the 

 outhouses and barns that generally form part of the equipment 

 of every country gentleman's estate. Beckford, indeed, sneers 

 at their economy, thoucjh he is by no means wont to recommend 

 useless expenditure. ' It is true,' he says, ' hounds may be kept 

 in barns and stables ; but those who keep them in such places 

 can best inform you whether their hounds are capable of 

 answering the purposes for which they are kept.' And he goes 

 on to say that, as all our hopes of sport depend on the delicacy 

 of our hounds' noses, ' I cannot but suppose every stench is 

 hurtful to it.' This is very true. If a pack of the best bred 

 and best trained hounds in the world were turned to pig 

 together as best they might into some dirty outhouse or 

 diseased barn, it is probable they would not long be worth 

 much. But on the basis of such buildings kennels may be 

 fashioned sufficient to keep hounds in health and comfort, 

 which will practically answer all the purposes of Woburn and 

 Goodwood, and cost very much less than those princely esta- 

 blishments. Still, it is no doubt better, where adequate means 

 and space are forthcoming, that the kennel should be a 

 building of and by itself. 



But on whatever scale, or after whatever plan it be built, 

 there are three essentials to be observed. It must be dry, airy, 

 and warm. Sweetness and light are as vital to the proper well- 



