HUNTING DIRECTORY. 191 



Of the Olfactory Organs of the Fox Hound. 



deer. The deer hounds formerly in use were nearly 

 alhed to the old Talbot ; the}' possessed exquisite olfac- 

 tory organs, and were thus enabled to distinguish and 

 pursue the very scent upon which they were first laid ; 

 but some of the modern deer hounds, those of the Earl 

 of Derby, for instance, would not be able to do it, as 

 they have not the requisite capacity — they are high-bred 

 fleet hounds, (fox hounds in appearance) and could no 

 more distinguish the hunted deer, were another to cross 

 them, than the fox hound is able to recognize the scent 

 of a fresh fox : while it may be justly observed, that if 

 the fox hound possessed similar olfactory organs to those 

 which distinguished the stag hound of old, he would be 

 able to distinguish a fresh fox from the hunted fox. 

 Could the olfactory organs of the Talbot, or something 

 like them, be united with the speed of the modern fox 

 hoimd, fox-hunting, to use the words of Beckford, 

 " would then be perfect." 



When hounds come to a check, there should be as 

 little noise as possible. At this time whippers-in are 

 frequently coming on with the tail hounds. Tliey should 

 never halloo to them when the liounds are at fault ; the 

 least thing is injurious at such a time ; but a halloo more 

 than any other. When hounds come to a check, gen- 

 tlemen should stop their horses some distance behind ; 

 they should be careful not to ride over the scent, nor 

 should they ever meet a hound in the face, unless with a 

 design to stop hun. If a gentleman at any time happen 

 to be before the hounds, he should turn his horse's head 

 the way they are going, get out of the way, and let them 

 pass. In dry weather foxes will sometimes run the roads : 



