HUNTING DIRECTORY. 119 



and Feeding. 



long as he is able to perform the requisite labour. Feed- 

 ing the hounds is an indispensable part of the business 

 of the kennel ; and if this be regarded as the primary 

 object, cleanhness must be considered as the next in im- 

 portance. 



" 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 and 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. 

 Seek'st thou for hounds to climb the rocky steep, 

 And brush th'entangled covert, whose nice scent 

 O'er greasy fallows, and frequented roads. 

 Can pick the dubious way, banish far off 

 Each noisome stench, let no offensive smell 

 Invade thy wide enclosure, but admit 

 The nitrous air, and purifying breeze." 



SOMERVILE. 



Boiling for the hounds, mixing the meat, and getting 

 it ready for them at proper hours, is the business of the 

 feeder, of course under the superintendance of the 

 huntsman ; and care should be taken not to let the 

 hounds have their meat too hot ; the thicker it is mixed, 

 perhaps, the better. 



Oat-meal is generally used, and certainly makes the 

 best meat for hounds ; and oat-meal is best for the pur- 

 pose when it is two years old; barley has been tried, 

 but it does not mix up so well ; the proof, or essential 



