THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 31 



fox-hunting, he made that his election, and although I 

 hope he has not yet seen half his days, he has done more 

 for the improvement of the science of the chase than any 

 other man. In fact, his opinions have already become 

 maxims, amongst which are the following : 



' Hounds,' he says, ' should combine strength with 

 beauty, and steadiness with high mettle. 



' Perfection of shape consists in short backs, open 

 bosoms, straight legs, and compact feet. 



'The first qualities of hounds are fine noses, docile 

 tempers, steadiness to their game, and stoutness in 

 chase. 



' If flagrant propensities discover themselves in a young 

 hound, hang him at once. 



' Walk your hounds amongst riot (i.e. hares and deer) 

 in the summer, and hunt in woodlands, in which foxes 

 are plenty, at least two months before the regular season 

 begins. 



' Perfection in hounds in chase lies in their hard run- 

 ning with a good scent, and patient hunting with a bad 

 one, together with invincible stoutness, when called for. 



' The greatest faults are skirting, over-running the 

 scent, and babbling. Never breed from a hound that 

 quits the line in chase, however good in all other respects. 

 The fault will surely descend to his or her produce. 



' Do not lift your hounds when they are at fault, until 

 you are satisfied that they require it ; but encourage them 

 to take pains ; and keep your field aloof, so that the 

 steam from the horses may not destroy the scent. Let 

 them be cast in two lots the head whipper-in taking 

 hold of one, and the huntsman of the other. 



' When a fox breaks cover, avoid too much hallooing ; 

 it makes hounds wild, and often mars sport. 



' The more quietly whippers-in turn hounds, the better ; 

 if they are too free with their rating and their whips, 

 hounds will not turn as short as they should do, from 

 fear of the lash. 



' When hounds are going to cry, let them be en- 

 couraged, not driven to do so, if it can be avoided. If 

 a hound will not go readily to cry, he had better be 

 drafted at once. It is essential to sport that hounds 

 should get quickly to cry, or a good head cannot be carried 

 by them in the burst, which renders it imperfect, not- 

 withstanding the pace may be good. 



