212 HUNTING DIRECTORY. 



Individual Character of the Hounds. 



turn short behind — whether she has not been met by 

 passengers, frighted by curs, intercepted by sheep — 

 whether an approaching storm, a I'ising wind, a sudden 

 blast of the sun, the going off of a frost, the repetition 

 of foiled ground, the decay of her own strength, or any 

 other probable turn of affairs, has not abated or altered 

 the scent. There are other things still no less necessary 

 to be remembered than the former : as, the particular 

 quality and character of each dog — whether the present 

 leaders are not apt to overrun it — which are most in- 

 clined to stand on the double — which are to be depended 

 upon in the highway, on the ploughed ground, or a bare 

 turf, in an uncertain scent, in the crossing of fresh game, 

 through a flock of sheep, upon the foil or stole-back. 

 The size also and strength of the hare will make a dif- 

 ference ; nor must the hounds themselves be followed so 

 closely, or so loudly cherished when fresh and vigorous, 

 as after they have run off their speed and mettle, and 

 begin to be tired. 



" I would advise a young huntsman, when the scent 

 lies well, always to keep himself pretty far behind : at 

 such a time (especially if it be against the wind) it is 

 impossible for the poor hare to hold it forward ; nor has 

 she any trick or refuge for her life, but to stop short by 

 a way or path, and, when all are past, to steal immedi- 

 ately back, which is often the occasion of an irrecoverable 

 fault, in the midst of the warmest sport and expectations, 

 and is the best trick the poor hare has for her life in 

 scenting weather. Whereas, if the huntsman were not • 

 too forward, he would have the advantage of seeing her 

 steal off, and turniiig her aside ; or more probably the 



