■5f-j|. THOUGHTS UPON HUNTING. 



certainly the cheapest ; and in many kennels they give'. 

 barley on that account ; but it is heating, does not mix- 

 x\p so well, nor is there so much proof in it as m 

 oatmeal. If mixed (an equal quantity of each), it will 

 then do very well ; but barley alone will not. Much also 

 depends on the goodness of the meal itself, which is not 

 often attended to. If you do not use your own, you should 

 buy a large quantity of it any time before harvest, and keep- 

 it by you : there is no other certainty, I believe, of having- 

 it old i which is more material, perhaps, than you are aware 

 of. 1 have heard, that a famous Cheshire huntsman feeds 

 his hounds with wheat, which he has found to be the best 

 food : he gives it them with the bran. It would cause no 

 little disturbance in many neighbourhoods, if other sports-- 

 men were to do the same. 



I AM not fond of bleeding hounds, unless they want it j^ 

 tliough it has long been a custom in my kennel to physic 

 them twice a year ; after they leave off hunting, and be- 

 fore they begin : it is given in hot weather, and at an 

 idle time : it cools their bodies, and, without doubt, is of 

 service to them. If a hound be in want of physic, I pre- 



