TREATMENT OF SAPLINGS 



95 



such a pitch of physical welfare and freedom from external and 

 internal fat, by the regime that we have indicated, as to render 

 him capable of putting forth his powers of speed and endurance 

 without an undue strain on his constitution. 



In such sapling trials a shorter slip is given, and the escape 

 is brought half way up the ground, by which means the severity 

 of the course is greatly modified. Moreover, the stakes are 



isr^ 



Feeding 



limited to four dogs, and if a sapling wins his first course, but 

 shows symptoms of distress, a division can generally be agreed 

 upon, or he can be withdrawn. 



Thus a good line can often be obtained, and a dog that has 

 acquitted himself well when pitted against a fancied one of 

 another kennel will later on serve as a useful trial-dog for his 

 kennel companions. 



