FIRST-HAND BITS OF STABLE LORE 



less and fed most nourishing food. Very fast 

 hounds may be made to " pack " better by keep- 

 ing them high in flesh, while the slow ones must 

 be fitted like race-horses if they are to be literally 

 " in the hunt." A capable feeder, who has op- 

 portunities to see hounds work, can make a vast 

 difference in any pack. 



When hunting is going on hounds need little 

 horse exercise. What they get in their yards and 

 an airing once daily with a man on foot, who 

 takes them to a big field where they may knock 

 about a bit, will keep them hearty and reg- 

 ular, and amount to about the equal of a four- 

 mile jog if they are out for an hour. Always 

 keep them interested and make much of them, 

 and have a few bits of biscuit, etc., to toss to 

 them, but as soon as they begin to get ranging 

 about, either take them in, or couple them, or 

 they may get into mischief. When horse exer- 

 cise is on, it had better be done in the early 

 morning for the fresh air and the dew, and at a 

 brisk pace. A moderate distance at a fair pace 

 is better than dawdhng along for miles, and 

 condition comes quicker thus. Keep them well 

 packed at all such times, and have your whip at- 

 tend to his business, or your neighborhood will be 



268 



