SCIENCE OF FOXHUNTING. 75 



with the horse at a hand gallop, without distress, 

 and shut their mouths directly after being stopped. 

 If no such open ground is within reasonable dis- 

 tance of the kennels, shorter bursts may be 

 adopted, and longer trotting exercise. 



Should there be a clear stream or river in the 

 neighbourhood, an occasional swim through it will 

 be of service in making the young hounds accus- 

 tomed to water, as well as invigorating their 

 frames. But there is a drawback to frequent 

 bathing, when hounds have to travel through dusty 

 roads to the river side, from the dust adhering to 

 their coats, and thereby causing irritation to the 

 skin, which we have known to break out into 

 eruptions like mange. As to periodical dressings 

 spring and autumn, for which huntsmen are gene- 

 rally such strong advocates, we shall merely ob- 

 serve, that where mange breaks out in any kennel, 

 it is presumptive evidence of improper food, or 

 neglect of cleanliness. When hounds are fed 

 nearly the same all the year round, mange will 

 appear from heat of body, or it may be induced 

 by bad litter. Oat or barley straw will unques- 

 tionably cause great irritation, and ought never to 

 be used as bedding, for which purpose clean, dry 

 wheat straw ought solely to be employed, and that 

 well shaken up every morning whilst the hounds 

 are out of the kennel, and the benches thoroughly 

 brushed with a stiff besom. 



During the summer months, cabbages, young 

 and tender, not old and tough, given twice a week 

 in their food, will conduce much to the health of 



