BLOODIXG THE HOUNDS. 287 



where they are likely to find, and are least 

 likely to change. If it is a small cover, or 

 furze-brake, and you can keep the fox in, it is 

 right to do it ; for the sooner you kill him, 

 when you are in want of blood, the better. 



When hounds are in want of blood, and you 

 get a fox into a small cover, it must be your 

 own fault if you do not kill him there. Place 

 your people properly, and he cannot get off* 

 again. You will hear, perhaps, that it is im- 

 possible to head back a fox. No animal is so 

 shy, consequently no animal is so easily headed 

 back by those who understand it. ' When it is 

 your intention to check a fox, your people must 

 keep at a little distance from the cover side, nor 

 should they be sparing of their voices; for, since 

 you cannot keep him in, if he be determined to 

 come out, prevent him, if you can, from being 

 so inclined. All kind of mobbing is advisable, 

 when hounds are out of blood ; *' and you may 

 keep the fox in cover, or let him out, as you 

 think the hounds will manage him best. 



Though I am a great advocate for blood, so 

 necessary, in my judgment, to a pack of fox- 

 hounds, yet I by no means approve of it to the 



* Yet, how many foxes owe their lives to the too great 

 eagerness of the pursuers ? 



