SCIENCE OF FOXHUNTING. 143 



what is commonly called haulm, which has like- 

 wise the advantage of being more cool in the 

 summer than slate tiles, although the latter are more 

 sightly to the eye. But thatch, when properly laid 

 on, and in sufficient thickness, by a clever thatcher, 

 has not only a very neat appearance, but will 

 endure many years. When moss-grown, also, it 

 admits of being shaved down, presenting a reno- 

 vated appearance. The only objection that can be 

 raised to thatch is, that it may afford lodging for 

 rats and mice, as the rooms below do for foxhounds. 

 Access, however, to the eaves of the roof by these 

 vermin may be easily cut off by a sloping ledge of 

 half-inch board, fixed against the walls all round. 



Having mentioned old oatmeal as the best and 

 most nutritious of farinaceous food for dogs of all 

 descriptions which have hard work to undergo, we 

 must add a few words respecting the meat and 

 broth which must be added thereto. It has been 

 said, but very falsely, that "anything is good 

 enough for dogs." We say nothing is too good for 

 sporting dogs, if they are to be kept in first-rate 

 condition. Bad flesh of any kind, whether of 

 horse, bullock, calf, or sheep, which have died from 

 disease, must strike any man of common sense as 

 not likely to contribute to the strength or healthy 

 secretions of any dog, and particularly unfitted for 

 foxhounds, which undergo such an immensity of 

 fatigue and work during their season. It is there- 

 fore necessary that the master should be very 

 particular as to what meat is consigned to the 

 flesh-pot. 



