OBSERVATIONS ON FOX-HUNTING 23 



to bring the carcase to the kenncL We know 

 it is commonly said " any thing rvill do for dogs ; " 

 but let me assure you, nothing will put hounds 

 so soon out of condition as bad flesh. 



Old Oat meal is no doubt the best food for 

 hounds to work upon. I have no objection occa- 

 sionally to mix a little old Barley meal with it, 

 which has been grown on liglit land, but it must 

 be given with as much caution as you would 

 beans to a horse. 



Wlieat meal, mixed with oatmeal in equal 

 quantities, is used in some kennels ; but the 

 oatmeal requires the longer boiling. Feeders are 

 often negligent, and in too great a hurry to finish 

 their work, to attend properly to this necessary 

 point. Your meal should be put into the copper 

 when the water quite boils, and then should be 

 boiled up a second time ; you must allow at 

 least an hour and a half from that time to boil 

 it well, and if an hour and three-quarters, it will 

 be none the worse for it ; for nothing will choke 

 hounds so soon as meal half boiled. 



In the summer it is of little consequence what 

 hounds are fed upon, provided they have whole- 

 some food ; but in the hunting season, if every 

 thing is not of the very best quality you cannot 

 have them in condition. If there is any truth 

 in the report of flour having been adulterated with 



