THOUGHTS Ut'ON HUNTING. i4j 



LETTER Xi. 



T HAVE already obferved, that a trail in the 

 morning is of great fervice to hounds; andj 

 that to be perfe6l, they fhould always find their 

 own game : for the method of hare-finding, 

 though more convenient, will occafion fome 

 vices in them which it will be impofiible to cor- 

 reft. 



Mr. Somervile's authority ftrengthens my ob« 

 fervation; that, when a hare is found, all Ihould 

 be quiet : nor fliould you ride near your hounds., 

 till they are well fettled to the fcent. 



-let all be hufh'd, 



No clamour loud, no frantic joy be heard; 

 Left the wild hound run gadding o'er the plain 

 Untra(5lable, nor hear thy chiding voice." 



The natural eagernefs of the hounds will, at 

 fuch a time, frequently carry even the beil of 

 them wide of the fcent; which too much en- 

 couragement, or preffing too clofe upon them, 

 may continue beyond all poffibility of recovery: 

 this fhould be always guarded againft. After a 

 little while, you have lefs to fear. You may 

 ihen approach them nearer, and encourage them 



L roore; 



