178 HUNTING DIRECTORY. 



The System of the 



try round in their own way, which they generally did 

 successfully ; avoiding the time lost in the mistaken 

 practice of casting the hounds at the heels of the hunts- 

 man. 



" When the hounds were cast, it was in two or three 

 different lots, by Mr. Meynell, his huntsman, and whip- 

 per-in ; and not driven together in a body like a flock of 

 sheep. They were allowed to spread and use their own 

 sagacity, at a very gentle pace ; and not hurried about in 

 a blustering manner, but patiently. 



" It was Mr. Meynell's opinion, that a great noise, and 

 scolding of hounds, made them wild : correcting them in 

 a quiet way was the most judicious method. 



" Wliippers-in should turn hounds quietly ; and not 

 call after them in a noisy, disagreeable manner. 



" When hounds are going to the cry, they should be 

 encouraged in a pleasant way : not driven and rated, as 

 if discord was a necessary ingredient in the sport and 

 music of a fine cry of hounds. Whippers-in are too apt 

 to think their own importance and consequence consists 

 in shouting, hallooing, and unnecessary activity. When 

 hounds can hear the cry, they get together sooner than 

 any whipper-in can drive them. If any hound is con- 

 ceited, and disinclined to go to the cry, he should be 

 immediately drafted. 



" Should there be only one fox in cover, and two or 

 three hounds get away with him whilst the body of the 

 pack are hunting the line behind, some judicious sports- 

 man should ride to them, and view halloo for the rest of 

 the pack to join them. It is the most certain way to 

 ensure the run, and the hounds will very speedily get 



