314 NOSE IN CONDITION. [CH. xvm. 



568. Having mentioned condition, I am led to observe, that in 

 America I saw a pointer, which, from being hunted, I may say 

 daily, Sundays excepted, could not be kept in condition on oatmeal 

 and greaves, but which was put in hard flesh, and did his work 

 admirably, when Indian-corn meal was substituted for the oatmeal. 

 I have not seen it used in this country, but I can fancy it to be a 

 heating food, better calculated for dogs at regular hard work than 

 when they are summering.* It is well known that no food should 

 be given in a very hot state, not of a higher temperature than 

 milk- warm ; and that evening is the proper feeding time, in order 

 that the dogs may sleep immediately afterwards, and not be full 

 when they are taken out for their morning's work. 



569. In India, I remember complaining to an old sportsman that 

 I had much difficulty in keeping my dogs free from mange. He 

 at once asked if I did not give them beef-tea with their rice. I 

 acknowledged that I did. He said it was of too heating a nature. 

 I tried mutton-broth, agreeably to his recommendation. Every 

 vestige of mange vanished, but yet I could hardly believe it 

 attributable to so slight a change in their diet, for very little meat 

 was used. As the mutton was much dearer, I again tried the beef. 

 It would not do. The mange reappeared. I was, therefore, obliged 

 to return to the mutton, and continue it. The teeth of dogs show 

 that flesh is a natural diet ; and if they are wholly deprived of it 

 when they are young, they will acquire most revolting habits, 

 feeding upon any filth they may find, and often rolling in it. The 

 meat should be cooked. 



570. The good condition of a dog's nose is far from 

 being an immaterial part of his conditioning, for on the 

 preservation of its sensitiveness chiefly depends your 

 hope of sport. If it be dry from being feverish, or if it 

 be habituated to the villanous smells of an impure 

 kennel, how are you to expect it to acknowledge the 

 faintest taint of game yet one that, if followed up by 



and heat are equally unknown, in all the extra heat he acquired from 



which you can take with advan- exercise. 



tage exercise every day in the year, * Since the publication of the 

 and need never suffer annoyance first edition of this book, I have 

 from mosquitoes, sandflies, fleas, had the gratification of reading 

 and other abominations, from Mr. Herbert's " Field Sports in the 

 which few countries are free. "When United States, &c., " and find that 

 heated by labour, are we not too he does not consider Indian-corn 

 apt to throw off some article of to possess any injurious qualities 

 apparel in order to get cool ? on the contrary, he strongly re- 

 whereas the Turk, more sensibly, commends its adoption in ken- 

 puts on additional clothing, and nels. 

 sits out of a draught until he loses 



