348 
FRANK FORESTER’S FIELD SPORTS. 
united with a capability, from full wind and perfect vigor, to go 
through all the exercises required of them. It is, therefore, 
evident that condition is of material consequence to sportsmen; 
indeed, it is of infinitely more importance than is generally im¬ 
agined. What would be thought of that sporting character who 
should enter his horse for racing without any previous training 1 
and how much chance would he be presumed to have, even to 
‘ save his distance ,’ without this precaution % Is it not equally 
reasonable to suppose that Pointers, Setters, Spaniels, and more 
than all, Greyhounds,* require training; or, in other words 
to be in full condition also 1 It is notorious, that Pointers, Set¬ 
ters, and Spaniels, if they are what is termed foul in their coats, 
never have their scent in perfection. It must be equally evident 
that, unless they are ‘ in wind,’ they cannot range with speed 
and durability ; and without some previous training, it is impos¬ 
sible they should be so. Those persons, therefore, who expect 
superior exertion from their dogs in the field, would do well to 
prepare them by a previous attention to their condition. In 
Greyhounds, intended either for matches or for simple coursing, 
it is evident that this is absolutely necessary to insure success. 
In simple coursing, they are pitted against an animal very 
nearly equal in speed to themselves, and always in condition by 
its habits. If, therefore, a dog of acknowledged goodness is 
beaten by a Hare, especially at the beginning of the season, it 
is ten to one but the condition of the dog is at fault. It is self- 
evident that perfect condition must be more than equally impor 
tant in coursing matches; where a dog has two competitors to 
beat, the Hare and the other dog. 
“ The manner of getting dogs into condition is very simple, and 
* I was, at first, about to omit that part relating to Greyhounds, as in conse¬ 
quence of there existing no animal in the Eastern States fit for their pursuit, and 
consequently no field for their powers, they are useless, and only kept as pets. 
I am, however, so well assured that they must come into use to the Westward, 
and that the finest sport conceivable might be had with them on the prairies in 
pursuit of the Deer, the Antelope, and with the large Scotch wiry breed of the 
Elk and Wolf also, that I have resolved to retain the whole passage. 
