80 CONDITION. 



be presumed to have, even " to save his distance^" without this 

 precaution ? Is it not equally reasonable to suppose that pointers, 

 setters, spaniels, and more than all, greyhounds, require training ; 

 or, in other words to be in full condition also ? It is notorious, 

 that pointers, setters, and spaniels, if they are what is termedybw/ 

 in their coats never have their scent in perfection. It must be 

 equally evident that, unless they are "m wind^" they cannot range 

 with speed and durability ; and without some previous training, it 

 is impossible they should be so. Those persons, therefore, who 

 expect superior exertion from their dogs in the field, would do well 

 to prepare them by a previous attention to their condition. In 

 greyhounds, intended either for matches or for simple coursing, it 

 is evident that this is absolutely necessary to insure success. In 

 simple coursing, they are pitted against an animal very nearly 

 equal in speed to themselves, and always in condition by its habits. 

 If, therefore, a dog of acknowledged goodness is beaten by a hare, 

 especially at the beginning of the season, it is ten to one but the 

 condition of the dog is at fault. It is self-evident that perfect con- 

 dition must be more than equally important in coursing matches ; 

 where a dog has two competitors to beat, the hare and the other dog. 

 The m^anner of getting dogs into condition is very simple, and 

 either consists in reducing the animal from too full and soft a state 

 to one of firmness and less bulk ; or it consists in raising a lean and 

 reduced dog to lustiness, hardness, and vigour. Some sportsmen 

 prefer the one state, and some the other to begin upon. If a dog 

 be fat, his treatment must be entered on by physic and sufficient 

 exercise, but not by too great a privation of food ; and it must 

 be particularly observed, that his doses of physic be mild, but more 

 in number. The exercise should be at first gradual and slow, but 

 long continued ; and at last it should be increased to nearly what 

 he will be accustomed to when hunting. If there be the least foul- 

 ness (i. e. if the secretions of the skin are impure) apparent in the 

 habit, besides physic and exercise, alteratives should be given also : 

 these medicines immediately follow the subject of condition. Some 

 sportsmen regularly dress their dogs, before the hunting season, 



