HOUNDS 89 



with the cruel branding-iron. Those which 

 g-et throuofh all the diseases and disasters 

 peculiar to puppyhood will enjoy the happy 

 period of freedom till the day arrives when 

 they are brought in from their walks. Then 

 begins the hard discipline of life. Their ears 

 are rounded, their names have often to be 

 relearned, they are made to submit to the 

 severe but necessary routine of the kennel. 

 Then comes the time when they learn, with 

 rating and great expenditure of whip-cord, 

 what "ware hare," "ware sheep," "ware 

 horse," and much else besides means, — till 

 that supreme moment when their future is 

 decided, and the awful question is answered 

 whether they are worthy to be entered with 

 the chosen few, or drafted with the con- 

 demned. Among the hounds that are 



