HOW TO FEED FOX-HOUNDS 119 



almost entirely upon it ; but the human species are not 

 naturally or necessarily carnivorous, and it is well known 

 that the East Indians of a certain caste never eat flesh 

 of any kind. The inhabitants of hot climates also 

 consume very Uttle animal food, living chiefly on meal, 

 fruits, and vegetables ; whilst those in colder regions — 

 as the North American Indians and Laplanders — live 

 almost entirely on flesh. It is very clear, therefore, that 

 the climate under which human beings are located is a great 

 regulator of their diet, and we all experience this effect 

 by change of seasons in this country. The smoking 

 sirloin of beef which excites our appetite at Christmas 

 would be turned from almost with loathing in the dog- 

 days, when a cold fore-quarter of lamb, with salad, is a 

 much more appropriate and inviting dish. 



By the same rule we may be guided in feeding hounds, 

 which during the summer or idle months require no 

 animal food at all, and then their meat should be given 

 cold, and mixed up thin ; but a total change is necessary 

 when the hounds are working hard in the winter season. 

 The broth ought to be boiling-hot in the copper when 

 the hunting pack return to the kennel on a cold chilly 

 night, wet and draggled, through muddy lanes or 

 splashing roads. It is then they require warm food and 

 warm lodgings, and plenty of meat added to their meal. 

 The furnace of the animal frame then requires fuel to 

 keep up the required animal heat ; but it must be added 

 cautiously, not all at once, when much exhaustion has 

 ensued from severe work. We never gave our hunters 

 a manger fuU of com when they first returned from 

 hunting to the stable, or any com whatever, until an 

 hour after they had swallowed a bucket-full of thick 

 gruel, and eaten some hay ; and we treated our hounds 



