THOUGHTS UPON HUNTING. a-r'T 



them off the line of the scent, the whippers-in smacking 

 their whips, and rateing them after him j if he should trut 

 away with them, may they not think that the business of the 

 day is over ? — Hounds never^ in my opinion (unless in par- 

 ticular cases, or when you go to a halloo), should be taken 

 entirely off their noses ; but, when lifted, should be con- 

 stantly made to try as they go. Some huntsmen have a 

 dull, stupid way of speaking to their hounds : at these 

 times little should be said, and that should have both 

 meaning and expression in it. 



When your huntsman makes a cast, I hope he makes it 

 perfeft one way, before he tries another ; as much time 

 is lost in going backwards and forwards. You will see 

 huntsmen, when a forward cast does not succeed, come 

 slowly back again : they should return as fast as they 

 can. 



When hounds are at fault, and it is probable that the 

 fox has headed back, your cast forward should be short 

 and quick ; for the scent is then likely to be behind you : 

 too obstinate a perseverance forward, has been the loss of 

 many foxes. In heathy countries, if there be many roads^ 



