76 The Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire Hunt. 



FOXHOUND PUPPIES. 



Who'll take a puppy ? That is a question confronting the huntsman 

 as each spring comes round, and he is naturally anxious to get as many 

 as possible put under the temporary care of hunting folk and farmers who 

 have the accommodation to keep one or even a couple for a few months, so 

 that they may grow properly and become useful hounds in the future. 

 With such a fine bunch as those in the foregoing picture to choose from, 

 few could resist the temptation to take one, if only to satisfy that appealing 

 look on the face of the huntsman. Most people are doubtless aware of 

 the absolute necessity of putting out as many puppies in this manner as 

 possible, so that the standard of the pack may be maintained. It is an 

 erroneous idea that they require a lot of attention in the early stage of their 

 career. Give a puppy plenty of freedom and something to eat, and you 

 will see him grow at a remarkable rate into a fine foxhound, that you will 

 ultimately be proud to see running with the pack, even if he should have 

 missed a prize at the annual puppy show. 



In the way of diet I might suggest to farmers that puppies are very 

 fond of that well-known commodity, " soor dook," which is a cheap and 

 wholesome food. There are, of course, other things they prefer, and if 

 your own larder is securely closed they may perchance pay a visit to that 

 of your neighbour to purloin a joint of beef or prime leg of mutton. This 

 is, however, a mere detail in the life of a puppy. In Renfrewshire we are 

 fortunate in having a fair number of good and generous " puppy walkers," 

 but the Master and huntsman are always anxious to find others willing 

 to render such a valuable service to the kennel. 



