Hounds at Work 



soon as the puppy shows a disposition to 



hunt, send the runner off without being 



viewed. As greater proficiency is reached 



allow a longer interval to elapse between 



the laying-on of the hound and the starting 



of the runner. The colder a line you can 



get the hound to hunt the better. At least 



you should endeavour to make him reach 



such a degree of proficiency that the hunted 



man may have three hours' start on a fair 



scenting day. It is desirable to vary your 



runners, and to have the line crossed by others 



at certain places, which may be indicated 



by sticks in order that you may check the 



hound if he shows any disposition to change. 



I must not forget to mention that the clean 



boot, i.e. a boot that has not been dressed 



in any way, should only be hunted. You 



will frequently notice that the hound will 



work some way down wind, parallel with 



the original line taken by the quarry. If 



you ride, give the hound plenty of room, as 



he has a rooted objection to being ridden 



6i 



