118 FOREST CREATURES. 



followed it to the spot where the game had entered the 

 thicket. The education of this most useful hound, as 

 well as the proper method of leading him, and directing 

 his search for game, was an accomplishment quite as 

 indispensable for the forester as the knowledge of the 

 signs indicative of the presence of a stag. And as so 

 much depended on the excellence of the leam-hound, 

 and as so little could be done without his assistance, the 

 greatest importance was attached to the purity of his 

 breed, the manner of rearing him, his food, his treat- 

 ment, and above all the system of his education. In 

 all old books of venery, these matters took up consider- 

 able space. And, indeed, any one who has seen how 

 a good blood-hound performs his task of following a 

 wounded animal unerringly amidst endless difficulties, 

 and is capable of appreciating such a service, will 

 understand that, at a time when the chase was the 

 chief occupation of the great, much thought should 

 be bestowed on a creature so endued with admirable 

 qualities. In order that his fineness of scent should in 

 no wise be impaired, food that had a peculiar odour 

 was never given him. By no means was he to be 

 allowed, when out of doors, to snufF about in unclean 

 places, or touch old bones, or any impure objects. 

 He was never taken out otherwise than in a leash ; and 

 he was always to be somewhat in advance of him who 

 led him. 



