PUNISHMENT WHEN NECESSARY. 83 



" Easy the lessen of the youthful train, 



When instinct prompts, and when example guides." 



Flogging hounds in kennel, the frequent prac- 

 tice of most huntsmen, I hold in abhorrence: 

 it is unreasonable, unjust, and cruel; and, 

 carried to the excess we sometimes see it, is a 

 disgrace to humanity. Hounds that are old 

 offenders, that are very riotous, and at the same 

 time very cunning, may be difficult to catch : 

 such hounds may be excepted — they deserve 

 punishment whenever it happens, and you 

 should not fail to give it them when you can. 

 This you will allow is a particular case, and ne- 

 cessity may excuse it ; but let not the peace and 

 quiet of your kennel be often thus disturbed. 

 When your hounds offend, punish them : when 

 caught in the fact, then let them suffer, — and 

 if you are severe, at least be just. 



When your young hounds stoop to a scent, 

 are become handy, know a rate, and stop easily, 

 you may then begin to put them into the pack, 

 a few only at a time ; nor do I think it advisable 

 to begin this till the pack have been out a few 

 times by themselves, and are got well in blood. 

 I should also advise you to take them the first 

 day where they are most sure to find ; as long 



