ENTERING DESCllIBED. 93 



you will then be able to discover what improve- 

 ment they have made. I mention a badger, on 

 a supposition that young foxes cannot so well 

 be spared ; besides, the badger being a slower 

 animal, he may easily be follo'Sved, and driven 

 the way you choose he should run. 



The day you intend to turn out a fox or 

 badger, you will do well to send them amongst 

 hares or deer. A little rating and flogging, be- 

 fore they are encouraged to vermin, is of the 

 greatest use, as it teaches them both what they 

 should and what they should not do. I have 

 known a badger run several miles, if judici- 

 ously managed ; for which purpose he should 

 be turned out in a very open country, and fol- 

 lowed by a person who has more sense than to 

 ride on the line of him. If he does not meet 

 with any cover or hedge in his way, he will keep 

 on for several miles; if he does, you will not be 

 able to get him any farther. You should give 

 him a great deal of law, and you will do well to 

 break his teeth.* 



* The critic says, " there is neither justice nor equity in 

 breaking his teeth." — (Vide Monthly Review.) I confess 

 there is not : and I never know that it is done, but I feel 

 all the force of the observation. It is a custom, as Shaks- 

 peare says on another occasion, 



" More honour'd in the breach than the observance." 



