CHAPTER II. 



Of Forming and Building the Kennel. — Its CourtSj 

 Lodging Rooms, Boiling Houses, ^c. 



In the establishment of a pack of hounds, the first 

 consideration that obviously presents itself is the Kennel, 

 upon which the poet of the chase thus beautifully ex- 

 presses himself: — 



" First let the kennel be the huntsman's care. 

 Upon some little eminence erect, 

 And fronting to the ruddy dawn ; its courts 

 On either hand wide opening to receive 

 The sun's all-cheering beams, when mild he shines. 

 And gilds the mountain tops. For much the pack 

 (Rous'd from their dark alcoves) delight to stretch 

 And bask in his invigorating ray : 

 Warn'd by the streaming light, and merry lark, 

 Forth rush the jolly clan : with tuneful throats 

 They carol loud, and, in grand chorus join'd. 

 Salute the new-born day. 

 O'er all let cleanliness preside, no scraps 

 Bestrew the pavement, and no half-pick'd bones 

 To kindle fierce debate, or to disgust 

 That nicer sense, on which the sportsman's hope, 

 And all his future triumphs, must depend. 

 Soon as the growling pack, with eager joy. 

 Have lapp'd their smoking viands, morn or eve. 

 From the full cistern lead the ductile streams, 

 To wash thy court well pav'd, nor spare thy pains, 

 For much to health will cleanliness avail. 

 Seck'st thou for bounds to climb the rocky steep, 



