SCIENCE OF FOXHUNTING. 85 



cracking of whips, and vehement objurgations 

 follow, which scare the good, and create great con- 

 fusion. Even of the shortest pack, not exceeding 

 thirty couples, we would rather make two divisions 

 than adopt this plan. Ten or a dozen old hounds 

 are quite enough, where more cannot be spared, to 

 teach an entry of double their number how to set 

 about their business ; and this little knot of veterans 

 holding together, is quite sufficient to kill a brace 

 of cubs, or more if desired, without any other 

 assistance. The young ones may push away upon 

 other scents so let them full of spirits and high 

 courage. Certain allowance must be made for the 

 exhibition of these, before they know the scent of 

 their legitimate game ; and probably many of the 

 entry have done a bit of hare-hunting at their 

 walks, with Shag and Viper ; but when once 

 blooded to fox, well-bred foxhounds rarely give 

 much trouble afterwards to the whippers-in. 



For the first morning's cub-hunting, the easiest 

 covert for killing them should be selected ; and as 

 fixtures are never made previously on such occasions, 

 the choice of weather rests with the huntsman so 

 far at least that there is no necessity for beginning 

 on a windy, unpropitious day. In a dry autumn, 

 early dawn is the most favourable time for scent, 

 and the drag of cubs to their kennel when barred 



O 



out from their earths easily followed up by saga- 

 cious old hounds. There is another advantage with 

 peep-o'-day hunting : cubs or foxes are not in a 

 condition, from a late supper, or very early break- 

 fast, to run long before their enemies in fact they 



