26 MUSIC AND PACE 



observe that these hounds thus mixt do run just and even 

 together, and not hang off loose one from another, which is 

 the vilest sight that may be ; and you shall understand 

 that this composition is best to bee made of the swiftest 

 and largest deep-mouthed dogge, the slowest middle- 

 sized dogge, and the shorter-legged slender dogge. 

 Amongst these you cast in a couple or two of small singing 

 beagles, which, as small trebles, may worke amongst 

 them. The cry will be a great deal the more sweeter." 



The quotation from this patriarchal sportsman, al- 

 though of not much interest to fox-hunters of this date, 

 may probably afford some amusement, if not instruction, 

 to masters of harriers, who may be particular as to the 

 harmony of their pack, although all decent appearances 

 must have been sacrificed to melody, still a very favourite 

 name with thistle-whippers. Notwithstanding this at- 

 tention to the music of the pack, it is very evident from 

 the following observations of Gervase Markham, that he 

 was as much a stickler for pace, as some of our present 

 fast school of fox-hunters. 



" Albeit the labour be for the time most violent, but 

 it is not of so long continuance as that which is more slow, 

 and to run twelve score swiftly is not so painful as to walk 

 twenty miles ; for you must understand that these swift 

 hounds, out of their metall and swiftness, do soone over- 

 shoot and run beyond the scent, and then retiring back 

 upon it againe, give the horse time to ease himself, and 

 catch new breath, whereas the slower dogges carrying 

 the scent ever before them, keep your horse in a continuall 

 labour, which is more paineful, and makes him a tough 

 enduring lackey, but not a most swift running gentleman ; 

 besides, the many faults and casting about of the swift 

 dogges adde such a comfort \mto the horse, who perceiveth 



