GREYHOUND AND DEERHOUND. 313 



never slipped at the moment when game is on foot, and they must 

 therefore be made steady from " riot." 



THE ENTERING OF THE GREYHOUND AND DEERHOUND. 



Whether for public or private coursing, the greyhound should 

 not be suffered to course a hare until he is nearly at maturity ; 

 but as the bitches come to their growth before the dogs, they 

 may be entered earlier than the latter. About the tenth month 

 is the best time for forward bitches, and the twelfth or fourteenth 

 for dogs. If therefore a greyhound is to be allowed to see a 

 hare or two at this age, he or she must be bred early in the 

 year, in order to have a brace late in the spring, so as to be 

 ready for the next season. Some people invariably prefer keep- 

 ing them on to the autumn, and for private coursing there is 

 no reason whatever for beginning so early ; but public coursers 

 begin to run their dogs in puppy stakes in the month of October, 

 prior to which there is so little time after the summer is passed, 

 that they prefer beginning in the spring if their dogs are old 

 enough, and if they are not they will not be fit to bring out in 

 October. 



Before leing entered the dogs must be taught to lead quietly, 

 as they cannot be brought on to the ground loose, and if not 

 previously accustomed to it, they knock about and tear themselves 

 dreadfully, and moreover will not go quietly in slips. As soon 

 therefore as the ground is soft, after they are six or eight months 

 old, they should have a neck-strap put on, and should be led 

 about for a short time daily, till they follow quietly. Some 

 puppies are very violent, and will fight against the strap for a 

 long time, but by a little tact they soon give in, and follow 

 their leader without resistance. The coursing-field is the best 



