278 HOUNDS SHOULD BE 



pack of high-bred fox-hounds do the same, 

 for the same reasons. 



When hounds flag from frequent changes, 

 and a long day, it is necessary for a hunts- 

 man to animate them as much as he can: he 

 must keep them forward, and press them on; 

 for it is not likely, in this case, that they 

 should over-run the scent: at these times the 

 whole work is generally done by a few hounds, 

 and he should keep close to them : here I 

 also fear the hare-hunter will fail : * if they 

 come to a long fault, it is over, and you had 

 better then go home. 



* It is at a time like this that good sportsmen may be of 

 great service to hounds : it is the only time when they 

 want encouragement ; and it is (I am sorry to say) almost 

 the only time when they do not receive it. Those who ride 

 too forward in the morning will, in the evening, perhaps, 

 be too far behind, and thereby lose an opportunity that 

 is offered them of making some amends for the mischiefs 

 they have already done. When hounds flag from frequent 

 changes, and the huntsman's horse sinks under the fatigue 

 of a tiresome day, then it is that sportsmen may assist 

 them. Such as know the hounds should then ride up to 

 them : they should endeavour, by gi-eat encouragement, to 

 keep them running, and get those forward that may be 

 behind ; for when hounds that are tired once come to 

 hunting, they tie upon the scent, and, by losing time, 

 lose every chance they had of killing the fox : great en- 

 couragement, and proper and timely assistance, only can 

 prevent it. 



