THE DIARY OF A HUNTSMAN 



this nature than one which is oftener seen at head 

 than any of the rest. Of course a hound that is 

 not remarkable is never last, or where he should 

 not be, but holds the Hne, and is what is called by 

 some a good hne-hunter, which is the criterion of 

 all goodness ; that is, if he hunts and drives a scent, 

 too, without dwelhng on it. 



It is observable that large young hounds are 

 not so much disposed for riot as small ones, when 

 they are entered ; and one reason is that they cannot 

 follow it where a small one can, which is frequently 

 proved by a brother and sister. And when large 

 dog hounds do not work a fox in thick brambles 

 hke the bitches, it is that the bitches stick to their 

 fox and can follow him without difficulty, when a 

 large dog hound passes the small run or track where 

 the fox went under brambles or bushes, and goes 

 round, which the fox soon finds out and does not 

 leave it so soon as when the bitches press him closely 

 by their following him, for they can 



Every inch his footsteps trace. 



It admits of a doubt, whether hunting dogs and 

 bitches separately is an advantage, or whether any- 

 thing is gained by it, except appearance, as it makes 

 the packs more even. It is true that the bitches are 



