HAKE-HUNTING. 11 



sport of hare-hunting. Rememher that stillness and 

 silence are indispensable. Should she be headed back, 

 which often happens, either from the speed of the dogs, 

 or from her constant aim to double, the pack will gene- 

 rally overrun the scent : it is therefore proper to keep 

 a considerable distance behind the dogs, that, left to 

 their own efforts, they may perceive their loss, turn, 

 and recover. The greatest difficulty with which the 

 huntsman of harriers has to contend, is the chance of 

 running heel; hounds are so fond of scent that they 

 will hunt when any is to be found. An intimate know- 

 ledge of the disposition of each hound in his pack, is 

 his best refuge in such dangers. Let him sit quietly 

 and watch them closely. His old hounds will take the 

 hint when they see him pull up, and if he be silent, set 

 diligently to inquire his reasons. If he then discover 

 that they are not confident in carrying it forward, he 

 may be certain that they have been running heel. No 

 rule can now assist him, save that in lifting his hounds 

 he hold his peace. When he speaks they naturally ex- 

 pect he has something to communicate of moment, and 

 up go their heads to catch it. 



Hares, when out of their knowledge, always run 

 well : if they start down wind they seldom return, and 

 then hounds may be hallooed, encouraged, and pushed. 

 In the field, be careful not to ride over the dogs, speak 

 to them in time ; and in roads and paths pull up and 

 make way for them. On all occasions, when it is pos- 

 sible, avoid riding on the line of your tail hounds : it 



