224 FOOD FOR HOUNDS. 



and hinges to cover over the meal, or let fall at the 

 sides as may be required, the edges tipped with 

 tin plate, to prevent rats and mice gnawing through 

 them ; a stirrer made like a strainer, to break up 

 the meal and broth together, with a couple of 

 prongs, one strong enough to raise a quarter of 

 flesh, the other of lighter make, to shake up the 

 litter ; a poleaxe and knife, with buckets, besoms, 

 and a mop. There should be also in each kennel 

 or court a small cast-iron or stone trough, raised 

 about sixteen inches above the pavement, to contain 

 fresh spring water for the hounds to drink from, 

 with wooden benches made of oak or deal spars 

 for them to lie on, and I believe this catalogue 

 contains all that a young Master will find requisite 

 for the kennel. 



In feeding all hounds, I believe the best food 

 generally proves the cheapest in the end, and this, 

 for dogs of every kind, is oatmeal ; although, on 

 the score of economy, harriers are often fed on the 

 vilest refuse of grain — sometimes on raw flesh, 

 mangold wurzel, or boiled potatoes, mixed with 

 greaves and pot liquor. Such substitutes may 

 suit those who are utterly indifferent about the 

 appearance of their hounds in the field, but to a 

 young Master of harriers, desirous of doing things 

 well, I w^ould suggest an entire rejection of un- 



