[41 ] 



which very little is gained ; while, on the 

 other hand, I have observed, that at the 

 time the bitches would have been at heat, 

 they are often sulky, wild, and not the 

 same animals; moreover, if the operation is 

 not performed by a very skilful hand, the 

 bitch will go to heat after all. It has been 

 thought the cutting of dogs strengthens 

 them over the loins ; but I must say this 

 also is a practice I do not approve. Why 

 put forward a young hound if he is weak 

 over his loins ? 



You will perceive from what I have 

 already written, that if you undertake 

 the management of Fox-hounds, you will 

 have very little time for any other oc- 

 cupation, provided you pay the atten- 

 tion to it you ought to do, and which the 

 Gentlemen of the country you hunt will 

 have a right to expect from you. The 

 great expence you must necessarily incur, 

 accompanied by a perpetual anxiety of 



