CHAPTER IV. 



Diseases of Hounds and Methods of Cure. 



Young hounds should be put out to quarters, as soon 

 as they are fit to leave the bitch ; and, if there are suffi- 

 cient quarters for the whole of them so much the better. 

 They will of course be taken into the kennel towards the 

 spring of the following year : sometimes it will happen, 

 that young hounds manifest a disposition to chase, and 

 ultimately to worry, sheep, on which account, it becomes 

 necessary to take them into the kennel at an early period. 



" When young hounds are first taken into the kennel, 

 they should be kept separate from the pack ; and as it 

 will happen at a time of the year, when there is little or 

 no hunting, you may easily give them up one of the ken- 

 nels, and grass court adjoining. Their play frequently 

 ends in a battle ; it is therefore less dangerous, when they 

 are all equally matched. What Somervile says on this 

 subject is exceedingly beautiful. — 



'• But here with watchful and observant eye. 

 Attend their frolics, which too often end 

 In bloody broils and death. High o'er thy head 

 Wave thy resounding whip, and with a voice 

 Fierce-menacing o'er-rule the stern debate, 

 And quench their kindling rage ; for oft in sport 

 Begun, combat ensues, growling they snarl. 

 Then, on their haunches rear'd, rampant they seize 

 E^ch other's throats, with teeth, and claws, in gore 

 Besmcar'd, they wound, they tear, till on the ground, 



