SCIENCE OF FOXHUNTING. 243 



have an opportunity there of discussing all matters 

 connected with the " noble science," as well as to 

 discuss the merits of hounds belonging to other 

 kennels. They see before them the cleverest of the 

 entry from numerous packs, and the best stud- 

 hounds, which otherwise they might have . no 

 opportunity of seeing ; and although we are all 

 prone to make swans of our geese, brother masters 

 are not deficient in candour when questioned as to 

 the peculiar qualities of any hound put forward as 

 something approaching this pattern of excellence. 

 Then the genealogical tree is referred to, from which 

 such fine fruit has been produced, so that the form 

 is before you, the descent explained, and the cha- 

 racter unfolded. You cannot know more, except 

 by becoming an eye-witness of the hound's per- 

 formance in the hunting-field. The post-prandial 

 hour is the time for all these discussions aperit 

 cum vera precordia Bacchus. Men's hearts are 

 warmed and expanded, as in old Horace's days, by 

 a few glasses of wine, and they then feel not only 

 in a more communicative but more friendly spirit 

 towards their fellow-men. 



The objection to dog shows, where pointers, 

 setters, and other dogs are awarded prizes, chiefly 

 on account of their appearances, without regard to 

 working qualifications, does not apply to foxhounds, 

 except the unentered, inasmuch as faulty ones 

 would not be tolerated in any kennel of high 

 repute, and of course there can be no doubt as to 

 the character and capabilities of a stud-hound 

 which has been used in his own pack. The only 



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