iiH COURSING 



the dogs are fully extended. It is true that greyhounds have 

 to cover long distances when contesting a course in public ; 

 but the very bends, wrenches, and turns afford relief that is 

 not obtained in a straight-away gallop, in the same way that 

 a racehorse, who cannot stay home in a five-furlong sprint, 

 is often seen to advantage in a race of two miles over 

 hurdles. 



When we advised that the first gallops should take place 

 on a decline, we did not mean that this should apply to the 

 whole period of training. As condition improves and the date 

 of ' cherry-ripeness ' approaches, undulating ground will be 

 desirable, so as to bring into play all the muscular powers ; but 

 we still object to a long incline. 



Every day the trainer must overhaul his charges, and the 

 first spot on which he must place his hand is the chest and 

 brisket. If these, and particularly the former, are soft and 

 flabby, then is the subject far from fit, and increased work will 

 be necessary ; but if they are firm and hard to the touch, 

 a near approach to fitness is indicated. Next, the hand is 

 passed down the neck, back, and quarters, and second thighs, 

 and here the eye will aid the touch ; but experience alone will 

 guide the two. 



The question of weight is a most important one, and every 

 kennel should be supplied with a machine for the purpose. 

 A weighing-machine has been invented of late which is much 

 in vogue at dog shows, where the exhibits are classified by 

 weight, and this is well adapted to the purposes of the grey- 

 hound trainer. It consists of a cage or cradle of galvanised 

 iron in which the dog is easily placed, when the exact weight 

 is registered on a dial. 



It is almost an axiom with trainers that the weight of a 

 twelve-months-old sapling, when in full and lusty condition, 

 but not fat, is the weight at which that dog should run as a 

 puppy when trained to the hour. There are frequent exceptions 

 to this rule, as some dogs train lighter than others, while 

 some show to greater advantage when running big ; but the 



