48 FOX-HUNTING FROM SHIRE TO SHIRE 



scenting powers ; and if a trencher-fed hound got a 

 taste for mutton it led to sheep-worrying troubles 

 when in chase. " Where hounds cost a shilling 

 to keep in my time, they cost a pound to keep 

 now," said the old fellow, " and distemper was a 

 trouble I knew nothing about, for I never had a 

 hound down with it in twenty years ! I have 

 heard talk of kennel lameness, but we never had a 

 case, for there is nothing so healthy as trencher- 

 fed hounds, with all liberty. The pack, of course, 

 was not very level in appearance, some overdid 

 their hounds, and others did not give them enough 

 to eat. It depended who the hound went to live 

 with, for if it was a tradesman with a cart he got 

 no end of road exercise ; but if a cottager or old 

 lady, the hound was apt to get gross through 

 never leaving his own door-step. I had to give 

 them a hint sometimes, but had to be careful 

 what I said, or hounds were sent back next 

 day! 



" Home-bred hounds always did best for the 

 Stainton Dale country, and we went to Lord 

 Middleton's and Captain Johnstone's for blood, 

 getting a pack that knew where they were going, 

 and able to take care of themselves. I never lost 

 half a dozen over the cliffs in twenty years, but 

 bought hounds generally got killed that way before 

 they had been half a season with us. I could catch 

 more foxes wdth about nine couples out, than with 

 a big lot, and a httle, quick hound, with a good 

 nose, was the best sort for the hills, broke to ' 'ware 

 sheep,' for they had to hunt miles unattended, and 

 a sheep crossing the line is the worst enemy for 

 scent. There in the photograph over the mantel- 

 piece, with Red Robin, are the best hounds man ever 

 hunted. Telltale, Tarquin, Governor, and Lock- 



