THE MANAGEMENT OF HOUNDS 



that is as little appreciated as it is rarely adopted ; 

 while, that the ladies, the children, and the 

 " road delegation " may be provided for, the 

 course may always be laid parallel to, or con- 

 stantly crossing, various roads, that the spectacle 

 may be visible to all. Such gallops need occupy 

 but a trifle of time, from forty to sixty minutes, 

 and it is perfectly possible to so arrange matters 

 that within those times hounds may have covered 

 a fair space of country, and at a rate of speed 

 which changes the usual afternoon or morning 

 trot and canter into a delightful brisk hand gal- 

 lop, as beneficial to beast as exhilerating to man. 

 Suitable country for such undertakings abounds 

 everywhere in America, and may often be found 

 close to, or inside of, the limits of even large 

 cities. Farmers, as a rule, never object, especially 

 where the hunt carefully and immediately repairs 

 all smashed fences, but enjoy with their families 

 the novel and picturesque sights such runs afford. 

 Wire may always be dodged in such hunting, 

 and if it is very prevalent, arrangements can 

 always be made to substitute a panel or two of 

 negotiable rails here and there in the line which 

 is to be followed, while purchase of hay, grain, 

 and other commodities, even at slightly better 



253 



