^i THOUGHTS UPON HUNTING. 



gencies. The deficiencies of one year must be supplied the 

 next. I should apprehend, from thirty to thirty-five couple 

 of old hounds, and from eight to twelve couple of young 

 ones^ would, one year with another, best suit an establish- 

 ment wh.ch you do not intend should much exceed forty 

 couple. This rule you should at the same time observe — ; 

 never to part with a useful old hound, or enter an unhand- 

 some young one. 



I WOULD advise you, in breeding, to be as little preju- 

 diced as possible in favour of your own sort j but send 

 your best bitches to the best dogs, be they where they 

 may. Those who breed only a few hounds, may by 

 chance have a good pack ; while those who breed a great 

 m.any (if, at the same time, they understand the business) 

 reduce it to a certainty. You say, you wish to see your 

 pack as complete as Mr. Meynell's : believe me, my. good 

 friend, unless you were to breed as many hounds, it is to- 

 tally impossible. Those who breed the greatest number of 

 hounds have a right to expect the best pack; at least, it 

 inust be their own fault if they have it not. 



