214 HUNTING DIRECTORY. 



The Hare should be fairly hunted. 



" Above all, I abhor joining with strangers ; for that 

 is the way to spoil and debauch the staunchest hunters — 

 to turn the best mettled into mad-headed gallopers, liars, 

 and chatterers ; and to put them on nothing but outrun- 

 ning their rivals, and overrunning the scent. The emu- 

 lation of leading (in dogs and their masters) has been the 

 utter ruin of many a good cry. Nor are strange huntsmen 

 of much better consequence than strange companions ; 

 for as the skill and excellence of these animals consist 

 in use and habit, they should be always accustomed to 

 the same voice, the same notes or hallooings, and the 

 same terms of chiding, cherishing, pressing, or recalling ; 

 nor should the country fellows be allowed in their tran- 

 sports to extend their throats. 



" It will be taken ill if I should also speak against a 

 change of game ; because mere Squires would be at a 

 great loss to kill some of their time, had they nothing to 

 kill when hares are out of season. However, I am well 

 satisfied, that the best harriers are those that know no 

 other. Nor is it advisable to let them change for a fresh 

 hare, as long as they can possibly follow the old ; nor to 

 take off their noses from the scent they are upon, for 

 the cutting shorter or gaining of ground. This last is 

 a common trick with pot-hunters ; but as it is unfair and 

 barbarous to the hare, so you will seldom find it of ad- 

 vantage to the hounds." 



"By inclination (says Beckford) I was never a hare- 

 hunter : I followed this diversion merely for air and exer- 

 cise ; and if I could have persuaded myself to ride on 

 the turnpike road to the three-mile stone and back again, 

 I should have thought I had no need of a pack of har- 



