HUNTING DIRECTORY. 221 



of the Hare. 



" Mr. Sonicrvile's authority strengthens my observa- 

 tion, that M'hen a hare is found, all should be quiet ; nor 

 should you ride near your hounds, till they are well 

 settled to the scent. 



" Let all be hiish'd, 



No clamour loud, no frantic joy l)e heard ; 

 Lest the wild liound run gadding o'er the plain 

 Untractable, nor licar ihy chiding voice." 



" The natural eagerness of the hounds will, at such a 

 time as this, frequently carry even the best of them wide 

 of the scent, which too much encouragement, or pressing 

 too close upon them, may continue beyond all possibility 

 of recovery ; this should be always guarded against. 

 After a little while, you have less to fear : you may then 

 approach them nearer, and encourage them more ; 

 leaving, however, at all times sufficient room for them to 

 turn, should they overrun the scent. On high roads 

 and dry paths, be always doubtful of the scent, nor give 

 them much encouragement ; but when a hit is made on 

 either side, you may halloo as much as you please, nor 

 can you then encourage your hounds too much. A hare 

 generally describes a circle as she runs ; larger or less, 

 according to her strength, and the openness of the 

 country. In inclosures, and where there is much cover, 

 the circle is for the most part so small, that it is a constant 

 puzzle to the hounds. They have a Gordian knot, in 

 that case, ever to unloose ; and though it may afford 

 matter of speculation to the philosopher, it is always 

 contrary to the wishes of the sportsman. Such was the 

 country I hunted in for many years. 



o3 



