140 THE FOX-HOUND. 



" Those who have studied the training of sporting dogs have 

 observed that gentle chastisement, often repeated, and mixed 

 with kindness, produce the most perfect obedience, while hasty 

 severity frightens the animal for the moment, but leaves no 

 permanent impression. The feeding of a kennel of fox-hounds 

 is one of the most striking illustrations of the power of training 

 to produce complete obedience. The energy and even fierceness 

 of these dogs cannot be overlooked ; there is nothing slavish 

 and crouching in their demeanour. They are hungry, and they 

 know they are about to be fed ; but they manifest no rebellious 

 impatience. The feeder stations himself at the door which 

 separates the outer kennel from the feeding-room. At his 

 presence a joyful cry is set up by the whole pack, but it is 

 instantly silenced at his command. He calls ' Juno ' Juno 

 passes out j ' Ponto ' Ponto follows 5 and so on through the 

 pack, even if there be thirty couple. If a young dog should 

 attempt to go out of his order, he is turned back, he recollects 

 the punishment, and he seldom again transgresses. The pack 

 has arrived at this state of perfect discipline by gentle cor- 

 rection, and, what is more important, by a system of mutual 



