16 TRAINING HOUNDS. 



down, caressing those dogs which are quiet, and chiding 

 those which notice the sheep ; threatening them with 

 the smack of the whip, and calling out perpetually, 

 " 'Ware sheep!" not failing to flog those severely which 

 are inattentive ; this must be repeated in the most strict 

 and severe manner, as often as it may be necessary. 

 The fox-hound must next be taught not to run at the 

 hare ; and this lesson must be given in the field, as with 

 the sheep. 



Young fox-hounds must be first stooped to a vermin 

 or strong scent, such as the martin cat, badger, or fox : 

 and when once well blooded, they will retain an attach- 

 ment to the scent, a fondness which must, however, be 

 strengthened by discipline. To make a trail scent, a cat 

 may be killed and spread open, and dragged over the 

 land intended for the run : some prefer a bunch of red 

 herrings. Two or three couple of the steadiest and best 

 nosed line-hunting hounds should always be present at the 

 training of young hounds, as the example of the former 

 is of great service in perfecting the young dogs. The 

 old hounds should take this in turn. The young pack 

 may now be entered in that part of the country which 

 it is intended they should hunt in the season, and be 

 blooded to their proper game. For fox-hounds, cubs 

 must be found in the covers, or bag foxes provided. 

 They should be inured early to the strongest and thick- 

 est covers, where the martin cat may be found, whose 

 scent is attractive to hounds; only a few couples of 

 puppies at a time should join the pack. 



