HUNTING DIRECTORY. 129 



Young Hounds. 



certainly ; but, in corn countries this business cannot be 

 conveniently commenced till the corn is cut; grass 

 countries are better adapted for the purpose (and indeed 

 for hunting altogether) ; and in woodlands cub hunting 

 may begin almost at any period. 



I am no advocate for stooping young hounds to any 

 scent but the one which they are intended to hunt ; 

 perfectly convinced that they will thus, not only give less 

 trouble, but are more to be depended on afterwards. 



" If, owing to scarcity of foxes, you should stoop your 

 hounds at hare, let them not have the blood of her at 

 least ; nor, for the sake of consistency, give them much 

 encouragement. Hare hunting has one advantage — 

 hounds are chiefly in open ground, where you can easily 

 command them ; but, notwithstanding that, if foxes arc 

 in tolerable plenty, keep them to their own game." 



Trail scents are objectionable; as well as the method 

 piu'sued by sportsmen of the old school, such as di'ag- 

 ging a cat along the ground for a mile or two, turning 

 out a badger, &c. If a few foxes can be aftbrded for 

 the purpose, they are highly preferable to any thing else. 

 Young hounds should be first taken where there is least 

 riot, putting some of the steadiest old hounds amongst 

 them. If, in such a place, there fortunately happens to 

 be a litter of foxes, there will be but little trouble with 

 young hounds afterwards. Cub hunting should be com- 

 menced as early as possible in the morning ; as soon, in 

 fact, as objects can be clearly distinguished. 



Frequent hallooing is of use to young hounds ; it keeps 

 them forward, prevents their being lost, and hinders 

 them from hunting after the rest. The oftener therefore 



