COLOUR OF FOX-HOUNDS. 349 



filled with broth, which, in addition to its healing- 

 properties, induces hounds to lick their feet still 

 more than water does. In flinty countries, the 

 feet of hounds are very frequently wounded, which 

 is a great disadvantage to those a little inclined to 

 do wrong, as they are compelled to miss their turn, 

 and so get above themselves. It also obliges a 

 gentleman to keep a larger number of hounds than 

 this country would otherwise require. 



Hounds are fed on the day before hunting about 

 eleven o'clock a.m., but some delicate feeders re- 

 quire to be let into the troughs a second time. 

 After hunting, they are fed as soon as they have 

 licked themselves dry, which, by the warmth that 

 arises from their bodies when shut up, is very soon 

 effected ; and in the summer time it is reckoned 

 safer to feed them in the evening, as they then rest 

 quieter throughout the night, and are less disposed 

 to quarrel. 



Colour. — Independently of the justness and ele- 

 gance of figure in animals, which adapt them to the 

 uses or ends of their creation, nature has been pro- 

 fuse in the adornment of the surface of their bodies 

 by various beautiful colours. But in proof that 

 the Creator never errs from his design in any of 

 the qualities he has communicated to his creatures, 

 and that he adorns not merely for the sake of orna- 

 ment alone, these beauties conferred upon them are 

 found greatly to contribute to their well-being ; 

 for with them they have received the consciousness 

 of possessing, and a desire to preserve them. In 



