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JOHNSON
ON
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HUNTING.
HUNTING DIRECTORY;
CONTAINING
A COMPENDIOUS VIEW
OF THE
ANCIENT AND MODERN SYSTEMS OF THE CHASE;
THE
Method of Breeding and Managing the various Kinds of Hounds, particularly
Fox Hounds : their Diseases, with a certain Cure for the Distemper;
THE
PURSUIT OF THE FOX, THE HARE, THE STAG, &c.
THE NATURE OF SCENT CONSIDERED AND ELUCIDATED :
ALSO,
NOTICES OF THE WOLF AND BOAR HUNTING OF FRANCE;
Together witii
A VARIETY OF ILLUSTRATIVE OBSERVATIONS.
BY T. B. JOHNSON,
AUTHOR OF THE SHOOTER'S COMPANION, &C. &C.
Better to hunt in fields for health unbought.
Than fee the doctor for a nauseous draught. Uryden.
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR SHERWOOD, GILBERT, AND PIPER,
PATERNOSTER-ROW,
1830.
DEDICATION.
TO
Sir harry M. MAINWARING, Bart.
Sir,
In dedicating the present little
volume to you, allow me to observe, that I am
actuated by no interested motive whatever ; but
by an unqualified and sincere desire to express,
in a distinguished manner, the high sense I en-
tertain of your excellent character, as well as of
yom* condescending and truly polite attention ;
and in saying this, I am perfectly convinced, that
I express, at the same time, the feelings of all
those who have had the pleasure of attending your
hoimds. As a genuine English Gentleman, there-
fore, I dedicate this work to you ; which you
will be pleased to accept as a token of sincere
respect, fiom.
Sir,
Your obedient humble Servant,
T. B. JOHNSON.
Liverpool, 1
Sept. «1, 1826.5
PREFACE.
— <♦ » 1 —
Of all the sciences which have fallen under human
contemplation, less, perhaps, has been written on the
subject of Hunting than any other ; not that it is so cir-
cumscribed as to admit of little elucidation, but because
sportsmen, occupied by the practical business of the
chase, have not sufficient leisure, or probably seldom
feel the inclination, to bestow that labour which is indis-
pensable to such undertakings. The sportsmen of old,
who have bequeathed us their notions on hunting, are
to be read more as matter of curiosity than as sources
from which may be derived any practical utility, since
the progress of time has, in a great degree, oblitera-
ted the old system of field sports. Amongst the sports-
men of what may be called modern days, Somervile
has given us his opinion in an elegant poem ; and
Beckford, more recently, published his volume of sen-
sible Letters ; these, with trifling exception, might be
said to constitute all that has been written (at least in
modern days) on the subject of hunting ; if we except
the late publication of Colonel Cook, which I have not
PREFACE. V.
yet perused : in fact, all the chapters of the present
volume were put together before I saw the announce-
ment of the Colonel's work.
However, as in a volume like the present, recurrence
must necessarily be had to the opinions of preceding
writers (Colonel Cook alone excepted), I have unhesi-
tatingly quoted largely from Beckford and Somervile ;
and indeed extracted whatever I thought worthy of
notice from every other author, giving my own opinion
where I happen to differ from them, and of course the
reasons upon which such opinion is founded. Also, I
have endeavoured to supply whatever appeared defec-
tive, or had been altogether omitted, by those who have
preceded me on the subject ; as well as noticed every
recent improvement. I am, therefore, willing to hope,
that the following pages will prove interesting and useful
to the sportsman.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Introductory Observations. — Ancient British Sports-
men, the Saxons, the Danes, the Normans. — Ancient
Method of Hunting. — Sjiortsmen of the Old and
Modern Schools 1 — 25.
CHAPTER II.
Of Forming and Building the Kennel. — Its Courts,
Lodging Rooms, Boiling Houses, 8fc. . 26 — 32.
CHAPTER III.
Extraordinary Sliced of Fox Hounds. — Of the Origin
of Hounds. — The Talbot or Blood Hound, the Stag
Hound, the Southern Hound, the Beagle, the Fox
Hound. — The Olfactory Organs of the Hound. —
Of the Size, Colour, and Breeding of Hounds, ^-c.
33—53.
CHAPTER IV.
Diseases (f Hounds and Methods of Cure. 54 — 112.
CONTENTS. vii.
CHAPTER V.
Of the Naming of Hounds. — A List of Names. — Of the
Feeder. — Of Boiling and Mixing the Meat, and the
proper Food for Hounds.— The Method and Time
of Feeding. — Of Bleeding and Physicking Hounds.
— Of Entering Young Hounds. — Summer Hunting,
Sfc. — Of Flogging Hounds. — Bedford' s System.
112—145.
CHAPTER VI.
Of the Huntsman and the Whippers-in, and their re-
spective Duties 146 — 173.
CHAPTER Vn.
Of the Time of Meeting. — Of Blood. — The Opinion of
the late Mr. Meynell upon the Subject of Blood, as
well as on Hounds and Fox Hunting. — Of Draw-
ing. — Riding to Hounds, and the Management of
the Run. — Changing Foxes. — Hounds at Fault. —
Of Halloos. — Bag Foxes. — Of Fox Courts. —
Treatment of Cubs. — Digging Foxes. — Of Badgers.
174—207.
CHAPTER Vni.
Of Hare Hunting. — The Opinion of a Sportsinan of
the last Century ttpon this Subject. — The Hoiinds
best calcidated for Hare Hunting. -^Of the Hunts-
man and Whipper-in to a Pack of Harriers. — Hare
Finders. — The Doubles of the Hare. — Warren
Hares. — Pedestrian Sjjortsmen. — Of Music and
Speed 207—230.
viii. CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IX.
Stag Hunting. — Otter Hunting. . . . 231 — 239.
CHAPTER X.
Of Scent. — Influence of the Atmosj)here upon Scent. —
Is different in different Animals. . . 240 — 256.
CHAPTER XI.
Wolf Hunting in France, with a Description of the
Hounds and Equipage for that purpose. — A Wolf
Chase 257—280.
CHAPTER XII.
Hoar Hunting. — Manner of Training or Entering
Yomig Hounds in France. . . . 281 — 294.
CHAPTER XIII.
The Methods of pursuing the Chase in Engla?id and
in France compared. — Anecdotes of an extraordi-
nary Pedestrian Fox Hunter. — Observations on the
Mischievous Propensities of the Fox ; and upon the
Injury sustained by his Depredations. 295 — 307.
CHAPTER I.
IntroductoryObscrvntions.-— Ancient British Sportsmen,
the Saxons, the Danes, the Normans. — Ancient Method
of Hunting. — Sportsmen of the Old and Modern
Schools,
In order to give a clear and somewhat comprehensive
view of the present subject, it is my intention not to
confine myself to the modern practice of Hunting, or
the way in which it is now followed, but to give a retro-
spective sketch of, or rapidly trace, its progress from
the earliest periods to the present time ; and hence we
shall perceive that the improvement which the chase,
like all other sciences, has experienced, was the necessary
consequence of circumstances ; that it resulted indeed
from the different aspects which the country has, at
various times, presented ; that hunting has, in fact, only
kept pace with the progress of civilization, and the in-
creased cultivation of the soil ; and that, therefore, the
mode which at one period characterised it was by no
means applicable to another. In saying that I shall trace
its progress from the earliest periods, I do not mean to
be understood as purposing to extend my observations
to the most remote ages of the world, but merely to what
may be called the earliest authenticated records of this
country.
Hunting is so deeply interesting to the human heart,
that it is ardently followed by the savage as well as by the
A
viii. CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IX.
Stag Hunting. — Otter Hunting. . . . 231—239.
CHAPTER X.
Of Scent. — Influence of the AtmospJiere upon Scent. —
/* different in different Animals. . . 240 — 256.
CHAPTER XL
Wolf Hunting in France, with a Description of the
Hounds and Equipage for that purpose. — A Wolf
Chase 257—280.
CHAPTER Xn.
Boar Hunting. — Manner of Training or Entering
Young Hounds in France. . . . 281 — 294.
CHAPTER Xni.
The Methods of pursuing the Chase in England and
in France compared. — Anecdotes of an extraordi-
nary Pedestrian Fox Hunter. — Observatiotis on the
Mischievous Propensities of the Fox ; and upon the
Injur?/ sustained hy his Depredations. 295 — 307.
CHAPTER I.
Introductory Observations. — Ancient British Sportsmen^
the Saxons, the Danes, the Normans. — Ancient Method
of Hunting. — Sportsmen of the Old and Modern
Schools.
In order to give a clear and somewhat comprehensive
view of tlie present subject, it is my intention not to
confine myself to the modern practice of Hunting, or
the way in which it is now followed, but to give a retro-
spective sketch of, or rapidly trace, its progress from
the earliest periods to the present time ; and hence we
shall perceive that the improvement which the chase,
like all other sciences, has experienced, was the necessary
consequence of circumstances ; that it resulted indeed
from the different aspects which the country has, at
various times, presented ; that hunting has, in fact, only
kept pace with the progress of civilization, and the in-
creased cultivation of the soil ; and that, therefore, the
mode which at one period characterised it was by no
means applicable to another. In saying that I shall trace
its progress from the earliest periods, I do not mean to
be understood as purposing to extend my observations
to the most remote ages of the world, but merely to what
may be called the earliest authenticated records of this
country.
Hunting is so deeply interesting to the human heart,
that it is ardently followed by the savage as well as by the
10' HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Ancient British Sportsmen.
civilized man ; and no doubt can be entertained, that the
inhabitants of this island, prior to the invasion of Julius
Caesar, followed the chase, as well for amusement, as for
the means of subsistence ; but, as we are ignorant of the
means which they adopted to accomplish their purpose,
we must be content with the slender knowledge we pos-
sess on the subject, and proceed for further information
to periods when the chase was followed under what may
be called a regular and well-authenticated form.
When the Saxons visited this country, hunting as-
sumed an organized character ; and no sooner had the
Danes attained the mastery, than they instituted laws
for the protection of game, the increased severity of
which marked the imperious sway of the Normans, and
fixed an indelible stigma on the memory of William I.
The Saxons were undoubtedly much attached to hunting
— the same remark will equally apply to the Danes ;
while the Normans manifested such an invincible passion
for field sports, that the business of the chase was re-
garded as one of the most important duties of life by the
monarch and all the great men of the kingdom. Hence
it is not surprising, that the science of hunting should
have made considerable progress under such ardent
sportsmen ; the services of that noblest of quadrupeds,
the horse,* were called in to enhance the pleasures of the
chase ; and the breeding of hounds seems, at this period,
to have been well understood, and pursued upon syste-
matic principles. It is true, the hounds used by the
• It is doubtful if the horse was used in the chase prior to the Norman
Conquest.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 11
Hunting of our Ancestors.
Normans might be somewhat different from our modern
stocks ; but they -were, no doubt, well adapted to the
state of the country, and the mode of hunting then
pursued ; and were, hi all probability, of the old Talbot
kind, whence have sprung, I am inclined to think, all
the various ramifications of the hound tribe which may
be seen in various parts of the kingdom at the present
day.
Somervile's ideas upon the subject of the hunting of
our remote ancestors perfectly agrees with the opinion
above expressed, as will be seen by the following quota-
tion from his expressive and elegant poem: —
— — " Devotion pure,
And strong necessity, thus 6rst began
The chase of beasts : though bloody was the deed.
Yet without guilt. For the green herb alone,
Unequal to sustain man's labouring race,
Now every moving thing that liv'd on earth
Was granted him for food. So just is Heaven,
To give us in proportion to our wants.
Or chance or industry in after time
Some few improvements made, but short as yet
Of due perfection. In this isle remote,
Our painted ancestors were slow to learn.
To arms devote, of the politer arts
Nor skill'd nor studious; till from Neustria's coasts
Victorious William, to more decent rules
Subdu'd our Saxon fatlicrs, taught to speak
The proper dialect, %vith horn and voice
To cheer the busy hound, whose well-known cry
His listening peers approve with joint acclaim.
From him buccessive huntsmen leara d to join
In bloody social leagues, the multitude
Dispers'd, to size, to sort their various tribes,
a2
12 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Origin of Hunting Terms.
To rear, feed, hunt, and discipline the pack.
Hail, happy Britain ! highly favor'd isle.
And Heav'n's peculiar care ! to thee 'tis given
To train the sprightly steed, more fleet than those
Begot by winds, or the celestial breed
That bore the great Pelides through the press
Of heroes arm'd, and broke their crowded ranks,
Which, proudly neighing, with the sun begins
Cheerful his course, and, ere his beams decline.
Has measur'd half thy surface unfatigu'd.
In thee alone, fair land of liberty !
Is bred the perfect hound, in scent and speed
As yet unrivall'd; while, in other climes,
Their virtue fails, a weak degenerate race.
Tn vain malignant steams and winter fogs
Load the dull air, and hover round our coasts.
The huntsman, ever gay, robust, and bold.
Defies the noxious vapour, and confides
In this delightful exercise to raise
His drooping head, and cheer his heart with joy."
1 am inclined to think that many of our hunting terms
at present in use may be traced to a Norman origin :
halloo, for instance, immediately derived from a loup,
seems to have descended from the source just mentioned.
The Normans went to the field, or rather perhaps to
the forest, on horseback, armed with bows and arrows,
and other weapons, and attended by a great retinue.
The game was roused by the dogs, and shot at by the
sportsmen, as often as opportunity offered ; a consider-
able space was, on some occasions, encircled by toils or
nets, and a sort of indiscriminate slaughter ensued of
the Various .animals thus inclosed.
The stag, the wolf, and the wild boar, constituted the
principal objects of pursuit ; and though there was no
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 13
Ancient Norman Hunters.
scarcity of foxes, yet these animals, which at present
afford a species of diversion which leaves all other field
sports at an immeasurable distance, were httle attended
to by the sportsmen of the remote period now iinder
contemplation : the reason is evident — the chase of the
fox was not understood, nor yet adapted to the state of
the country ; and though we now regard the pursuit of
this animal as far preferable to any other chase, it is
owing almost intirely to the different aspect which the
face of the country presents, that it stands so deservedly
high in the estimation of modern sportsmen. When the
early Normans followed the chase in this country, the
game, it is true, was roused and pursued by the hounds,
as I have already observed ; but it generally received its
quietus from the hand of the sportsman, either by means
of the arrow, the spear, or other weapon with which he
was prepared for the purpose. Under such a system of
the chase, a fox would appear scarcely entitled to atten-
tion ; nor would he indeed form a mark sufficiently con-
spicuous for the arrow or the spear ; and therefore, upon
a transient view of the subject, it will seem no way sur-
prising, that he was little, if at all, sought after by the
old Norman sportsmen.
A few illustrative observations, from an ancient writer,
will show the irresistible propensity of the Normans for
the chase, as well as the style and character in which they
pursued it. — " In these days (says he) our nobihty esteem
the sports of hunting and hawking as the most honourable
employments, the most exalted virtues ; and to be conti-
nually engaged in these amusements is, in their opinion,
the summit of human ha})piness. They prepare for a
A 3
14 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Ancient Norman Hunters.
hunt with more trouble, anxiety, and cost, than they
would for a battle, and follow the beasts of the forest with
more fury than they do their enemies : by being con-
stantly engaged in this savage sport, they contract habits
of barbarity, lose, in a great measure, their feelings of
humanity, and become nearly as ferocious as the beasts
they pursue. The husbandman is driven, together with
his innocent flocks and herds, from his fertile fields, his
meadows, and his pastures, that beasts may roam there
in his stead. Should one of these potent and merciless
sportsmen pass your door, place before him, in a moment,
all the refreshment your habitation affords, or that can
be purchased or borrowed in your neighbourhood, that
you may not be utterly ruined, or perchance accused of
treason. The sam.e writer tells us, that the fair sex
caught the predominant passion ; while we learn, from
other sources, that the mitre deserted its functions, and
the coiol quitted the quiet retirement of the monastery,
to join in the transporting pleasures of the chase."
Walterus, archdeacon of Canterbury, who was pro-
moted to the see of Rochester in 1147, totally neglected
the duties of his sacred profession, and devoted his time
entirely to hunting. At the age of 80, he is said to have
been a keen sportsman, and he died at a very advanced
period. Reginaldus Brian, bishop of Worcester in 1332,
was distinguished for his attention to field sports ; and
in an epistle of his (now extant) to the bishop of St.
David's, he reminds him of a promise he had made to
send him six couple of excellent hunting dogs. He de-
clares his heart languishes for their arrival, and observes
> — " Let them come, then, oh ! reverend father ! without
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 15
Ancient Hunters.
delay ; let my woods re-echo with the music of their cry,
and the cheerful notes of the horn ; and let the walls of
my palace be decorated with the trophies of the chase !"
Some of these clerical sportsmen, however, contrived to
blend amusement and business, as it were ; and in their
visitations through their dioceses, they were attended
with such numbers of horses, hounds, huntsmen, and
falconers, that the religious houses were frequently very
much distressed to provide for so numerous a retinue.
About the year 1200, the prior and canons of Bridlington
in Yorkshire, presented a formal complaint to the pope
(Innocent III) against the archdeacon of Richmond, who,
when he made his visitations, brought such a prodigious
number of attendants, that the complainants declared,
that his suite consumed more provision in one hour than
would serve the whole community a long time. The
pope, in consequence, despatched a bull, forbidding such
scandalous and oppressive visits in future.
The monasteries also produced their mighty hun-
ters ; and William de Clowne, who is celebrated as the
most amiable ecclesiastic of his time, and who filled the
abbacy of St. Mary, in Leicestershire, is no less distin-
guished for his p: ofound skill in the science of the chase,
which is numbered amongst his excellent qualities ; and
that his kennel might always be well supplied with
hounds, the king granted him the privilege of holding a
fair or market, for the sole purpose of dealing in dogs.
It would appear from ancient records, that the Anglo-
Saxons pursued the wild boar and wolf on foot ; while
the Normans improved upon this method by introducing
the horse, and directed their attention, for the most part,
16 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Progress of Hunting.
to the pursuit of the stag, the roe-buck, the fox, the
hare, &c. nor do they appear to have depended entirely
on their dogs, as they were excellent marksmen and made
a very liberal use of the bow — thus William Rufus lost
his life.
Edward I. may be justly enumerated among the ori-
ginal fox-hunters ; and his wardrobe book, for the 28th
year of his reign, contains an item of the number and
expense of his kennel, which it seems consisted of twelve
hounds, and their annual expense amounted to twenty-
one pounds, six shillings.
Hunting, indeed, about this period, appears to have
been reduced to a regular science ; and several treatises
were written on the subject, containing instructions for
juvenile sportsmen, as well as rules for the various offices
in the forest, the stable, and the kennel. A curious
performance on this subject, in Norman-French, is still
extant. It was written in the beginning of the fourteenth
century, by William Twice, grand huntsman to Edward
II. and an ancient translation of it may be found among
the Cottonian manuscripts. After all, it is very clear
that the oppressive severity of the forest laws was not
sufficient to restrain the yeomanry from a diversion to
which they were so passionately attached. Many of them,
taking advantage of that relaxed state which the feudal
system naturally produced, retired into the recesses of
the large forests, which, at this period, covered a con-
siderable part of the kingdom, and, forming themselves
into a sort of banditti, pursued their favourite sport
almost without restraint. Hence the tradition of Robin
Hood and Little John ; whose deeds are related in num-
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 17
Old Method of Fox-hunting.
berless old songs, which still continue great favourites
with the vulgar.
But such a state of things was found incompatible
with the progress of civilization, and consequently gave
way to a different system : as the cultivation of the soil
proceeded, the wolf and the wild boar continued to retire
from the face of man, till at length they could no longer
shelter themselves, and were thus ultimately extermi-
nated. The stag, however, long maintained his ground
against the cultivators of the soil ; or rather, he might
be said to be taken under especial protection, and con-
tinued to animate and adorn the various forests, which
are not, even at the present day, entirely disafforested,
though little remains to remind us of their former appear-
ances.
The stag constituted the principal object of chase after
the extirpation of the wild boar and the wolf, and stag-
hunting has continued the favourite pastime of royalty
to the present period. As the country was progressively
cleared of its useless woods and morasses, missiles were
laid aside in the pursuit of this animal, it being dis-
covered that his powers of speed and contrivance enabled
him to afford far superior diversion, when the exertions
of the hounds were unassisted by the use of those wea-
pons which had hitherto been employed on the occasion.
But, though the stag was regarded as the noblest chase,
the pursuit of the fox occupied the attention of the
sportsman, and the manner of it is thus described by a
writer of the seventeenth century: — "The fox is taken
with hounds, greyhounds, terriers, nets, and gins.
I« HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Old Method of Fox-hunting.
" Of terriers there are two sorts — the one is crooked-
legged and commonly short-haired, and these will take
earth well, and will he very long at fox or badger; the
other sort is shagged and straight-legged, and these will
not only hunt above ground as others, but also enter the
earth with much more fury than the former, but cannot
stay in so long by reason of their great eagerness.
"The entering and fleshing them may be done several
ways; in the first place, thus: when foxes and badgers
have young cubs, then take your old terriers and enter
them in the ground, and when they begin to bay, you
must then hold every one of your terriers at a sundry
hole or mouth of the earth, that they may listen and
hear the old ones bay. Having taken the old fox or
badger, and that nothing remains within but the young
cubs, then couple up all your old terriers and put in the
young in their stead, encouraging them by crying to him,
to hinii to him ! and if they take any young cub within
the ground, let them alone to do what they please with
him, and forget not to give the old ones their reward,
which is the blood and hvers, fried with cheese and some
of their own grease, shewing them the heads and skins
to encourage them : — before you reward them, wash
them with soap and warm water, to clear their skins
from earth and cjlay that is clodded to the hair, other-
wise they are apt to be mangie.
*' Now, to say the truth, there is not much pastime or
pleasure in hunting a fox under ground ; for as soon as
that subtle creature perceiveth the terriers, if they bay
hard, and lie near unto them, they will bolt out imme-
diately, unless it be when the bitch hath youn§ cubs,
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 19
Old Method of Fox-hunting.
then they will sooner die than stir. — They make their
earths as near as they can in stony ground, or amongst
the roots of trees ; and their earths have commonly but
one hole, and that is straight a long way in before it
comes at their couch : sometimes craftily they possess
themselves of a badger's old burrow, which hath variety
of chambers, holes, and angles. When a good terrier
doth once bind the fox, he then yearns and defends him-
self very notably, but not so strenuously as the badger,
nor is his biting half so dangerous.
** Of fox-hunting above ground. — To this purpose
you must draw with your hounds about groves, thickets,
and bushes near villages ; a fox will lurk in such places
to prey on young pigs and poultry ; but it will be neces-
sary to stop up his earths, if you can find them, the night
before you intend to hunt, and the best time will be
about midnight, for then the fox goeth out to seek his
prey : you may stop his holes by laying two white sticks
across before them, which will make him imagine it is
some gin or trap laid for him ; or else you may stop them
up close with black thorns and earth together.
" The best hunting a fox above ground, is in January,
February, and March, for then you shall best see your
hounds hunting, and best find his earthing ; besides, at
those times the fox's skin is best in season. Again, the
hounds best hunt the fox in the coldest weather, because
he leaveth a very strong scent behind him ; yet, in cold
weather, it chills fastest. At first, only cast off your
sure finders, and as the drag mends, so add more as you
dare trust them. Shun easting off too many hounds at
once, because woods and coverts are full of sundry
20 HUNTING DIRECTORY*
Draper, the Fox-hunterj -
chases, and so you may engage them in too many at one
time. Let such as you cast off first, be old staunch
hounds, which are sure ; and if you hear such a hound
call on merrily, you may cast off some other to him; and
when they run it on the full cry, cast off the rest, and
thus you shall complete your pastime. The words of
comfort are the same which are used in the other chases,
attended with the same hoUowings and other ceremonies.
Let the hounds kill the fox themselves, and worry and
tear him as much as they please : many hounds will eat
him with eagerness. When he is dead, hang him at the
end of a pike-stafF, and hollow in your hounds to bay
him : but reward them not with any thing belonging to
the fox, for it is not good."
The greyhovmds employed in the pursuit of the fox
were strong, wire-haired animals, placed in situations
where it was expected the fox would make his appear-
ance, and they were slipped at him as he passed. Thus,
when the fox had been driven from his kennel by the
hounds, he had to encounter a succession of greyhounds
which were placed in relays for the purpose.
It is difficult to trace the progress of hunting, and of
fox-hunting in particular; but yet, I am inclined to think,
what may be called its next stage may be tolerably well
conceived from the following : — " In the old, but now
ruinous, mansion of Berwick Hall, in the East Riding
of Yorkshire, once lived the well-known William Draper,
Esq. who bred, fed, and hunted the staunchest pack of
fox-hounds in Europe. Upon an income of only 700/.
per annum he brought up^ creditably, eleven sons and
daughters; kept a stable of excellent hunters, a kennel
HUNTING DIREGTGJIY. 2\
And bis Daughter.
of true-bred fox-hounds, besides a carriage with horses
suitable, for the convenience of my lady and her daughters.
He lived in the old honest style of his county, kiUing
every month a good ox of his own feeding, and priding
himself on maintaining a substantial table, but with no
foreign kickshaws. His general apparel was a long dark
drab hunting coat, a belt round his waist, and a strong
velvet cap on his head. In his humour he was very
facetious, always having some pleasant story, both in the
field and in the hall, so that his company was much
sought after by persons of good condition, and which
was of great use to him in the subsequent advancement
of his children. His stables and kennels were kept in
such order, that sportsmen observed them as schools for
huntsmen and grooms, who were glad to come there
without wages, merely to learn their business. When
they had obtained proper instruction, he then recom-
mended them to other gentlemen, who wished for no
better character than Squu-e Draper's recommendation.
He was always up, during the hunting season, at four
in the morning, mounted on one of his nags at five o'clock,
hunself bringing forth his hounds, who knew every note
of their old master's voice. In the field he rode with
judgment, avoiding what was unnecessary, and helping
his hounds when they were at fault. His daughter Di,
who was equally famous at riding, used to assist him,
cheering the hounds with her voice. She died at York
in a good old age, and, what was wonderful to many
sportsmen who dared not follow her, she died with whole
bones, in her bed.
22 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Hugh Meynell, Ksq.
"After the fatigues of the day, which were generally
crowned with the brushes of a brace of foxes, he enter-
tained those who would return with him, and which was
sometimes thirty miles distance, with old English hospi-
tality. Good old October was the liquor drank ; and
his first fox-hunting toast, was ' All the brushes in
Christendom.' At the age of eighty years this gentleman
died, as he chiefly lived, for he died on horseback. As
he was going to give some instructions to a friend who
was rearing up a pack of fox-hounds, he was seized with
a fit, and dropping from his old favourite pony, he ex-
pired ! There was no man, rich or poor, in his neigh-
bourhood, but lamented his death ; and the foxes were
the only things that had occasion to be glad that Squire
Draper was no more."
The foundation of the present system of fox-hunting
was unquestionably laid by the celebrated Hugo Mey-
nell, Esq. who for many years conducted the Quorndon
establishment, and whose ideas upon the subject I shall
notice repeatedly in the course of this work.
When fox-hunting had assumed something of its
modern form, the chase was followed by a slow, heavy
hound, whose exquisite olfactory organs enabled him to
carry on the scent a considerable time after the fox had
passed, as v/ell over greasy fallows, as hard roads, and
other places where the modern high-bred fox-hound
would not be able to recognise it. Thus the chase conti-
nued for double the duration which it at present occupies,
and hence may be seen the reason why the old Enghsh
hunter, so celebrated in former days, and so great a
favourite witli sportsmen of the old school, was enabled
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 83
Ancient and Modern Hour of Meeting.
to perform those feats which are exultingly bruited in
his praise. The fact is, that the hounds and the horses
were very well calculated for each other : — if the latter
possessed not the speed of the Meltonian hunter, the
hounds were equally slow ; and though the pursuit was
not carried on with that impetuous velocity, which forms
the leading feature of its present highly-improved state,
still the superior olfactory nerves of the old hound
enabled him to bring the business to a more certain,
though a more protracted, conclusion.
Sportsmen of the old school, it would appear, com-
menced their operations at a much earlier period than the
moderns : — it is recorded of 'Squire Draper, for instance,
who has been already noticed, that "he was always up at
four in the morning, and mounted on one of his nags at
five ;" and the question which naturally suggests itself to
the mind, on reading such a statement, is, — how far had
he to ride to cover ? for, unless the distance was much
greater than usual, he would, during the best part of
the hunting season, arrive at the appointed spot several
hours before day-light ; and I cannot induce myself to
believe, that fox-hunting can be very pleasant diversion
in the dark ! However, I have no hesitation in supposing,
that the sportsmen of the old school met at an earlier hour
than the modern fox-hunter thinks necessary ; that they
met, in fact, as soon as day-light would enable them to
observe the motions of the hounds, and this circumstance
gave them decided advantages : — in the first place, there
would be less difficulty in finding, and in the next, the
fox would be less calculated for maintaining the contest,
in consequence of having to run upon an overgorged
M HUNTING DIRECTORY.
stomach : yet, notwithstanding all this, the runs were
frequently of very long duration ; and if commenced at
a later period of the day, according to modern custom,
would, perhaps, rarely have ended vnth the death of the
fox. It may be truly remarked indeed, that while the
old fox-hunters ran down their game, the sportsmen of
modern days run up to it ; and this, in a few words,
constitutes the essential difference between what may
be called the old and the modern school of fox-hvmting.
For the former, as I have already observed, a heavy
tender-nosed hound was used, which would follow on
the line of the fox under very adverse circumstances of
atmosphere and country ; and was thus enabled at last
to run down the chase : while the modern fox-hound pos-
sesses sufficient speed to run well up to the fox ; and,
by blowing or distressing him at the commencement of
the struggle, he is generally not able to get far ahead ;
the business is thus finished in a much shorter period,
with little or no interruption, accompanied by all that
dash, that maddening impetuosity, which constitutes the
supreme delight of fox-hunting. At the same time, it
must be admitted, that the modern high-bred fox-hound
cannot, generally speaking, hunt a cold scent ; if the
atmosphere be unfavourable, he cannot hunt ; if he
cannot run well up to the game, he soon loses it alto-
gether — his nose is not sufficiently tender to enable him
to recognize the scent, when the chase is far before him.
There are fox-hounds still to be met with which are able
to hunt what may called a cold scent ; in Yorkshire,
fox-hounds of this description are to be found. In the
year 1825, I noticed many in Lord Harewood's pack
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 25
Fox Hounds.
which partook much of the old school ; the same remark
is equally applicable to the fox-hounds of Sir Tatton
Sykes, to the York and Ainsty, as well as to the Bads-
worth, though not in so great a degree, and may perhaps
extend to others which have not fallen under my obser-
vation. The country hunted by the hounds just enu-
merated, would appear to render tender-nosed hounds
indispensable, since extensive fallows are of frequent
occurrence, and also other circumstances equally unfa-
fourable to scent. The case is different in Leicester-
shire, which is chiefly a grazing county, and where, of
course, a high-bred hound is afforded an opportunity of
exhibiting his powers under every possible advantage.
In the month of November of the year 1824, I saw a
fox found, by the Duke of Rutland's hounds, in a cover
called Holywell Mouth, near Melton ; the hovmds went
away close at his brush, and killed him very handsomely
in two and twenty minutes ! such a circumstance could
rarely, if ever, occur, with hounds of the old school.
The Cheshire hounds (those of Sir Harry Mainwaring)
are as fleet as the hounds used in Leicestershire, though
the country is not so favourable for hunting ; but the
inclosures are, for the most part, small ; and thus a judi-
cious huntsman, when he comes to a fallow or other
ground, where his hounds cannot recognize the scent, will
immediately lift them to the next fence, where it seldom
fails to be hit off again.
CHAPTER II.
Of Forming and Building the Kennel. — Its CourtSj
Lodging Rooms, Boiling Houses, ^c.
In the establishment of a pack of hounds, the first
consideration that obviously presents itself is the Kennel,
upon which the poet of the chase thus beautifully ex-
presses himself: —
" First let the kennel be the huntsman's care.
Upon some little eminence erect,
And fronting to the ruddy dawn ; its courts
On either hand wide opening to receive
The sun's all-cheering beams, when mild he shines.
And gilds the mountain tops. For much the pack
(Rous'd from their dark alcoves) delight to stretch
And bask in his invigorating ray :
Warn'd by the streaming light, and merry lark,
Forth rush the jolly clan : with tuneful throats
They carol loud, and, in grand chorus join'd.
Salute the new-born day.
O'er all let cleanliness preside, no scraps
Bestrew the pavement, and no half-pick'd bones
To kindle fierce debate, or to disgust
That nicer sense, on which the sportsman's hope,
And all his future triumphs, must depend.
Soon as the growling pack, with eager joy.
Have lapp'd their smoking viands, morn or eve.
From the full cistern lead the ductile streams,
To wash thy court well pav'd, nor spare thy pains,
For much to health will cleanliness avail.
Seck'st thou for bounds to climb the rocky steep,
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 27
Two Kennels lecommended.
And brush th' entangled covert, whose nice scent
O'er greasy fallows, and frequented roads.
Can pick the dubious way. Banish far oflF
Each noisome stench, let no oflFensive smell
Invade thy wide enclosure, but admit
The nitrous air, and purifying breeze."
Beckford is very particular in his instructions respecting
the kennel ; and as he very judiciously observes, its size
must be suited to the number of its inhabitants ; but, he
continues, " I make no doubt, there are many better
kennels than mine ; some of which, I think, you should
see before you begin to build." No better advice can
be given ; and it is highly advisable for any person who
contemplates building a kennel, in the first place, to visit
several of the principal fox-hunting establishments, from
which he will not fail to derive much useful information^,
as well as obtain the best possible guide for his own con-
templated structure. It is not easy to convey the requi-
site directions on paper for this purpose ; and, after all,
a little personal inspection of a few of the kennels which
are already reared, would convey much better and more
lucid ideas to the mind, than a bulky volume written on
the subject. The author of the " Thoughts on Hunting,"
speaking of his own kennel, observes : — " I think two
kennels absolutely necessary to the Avell-being of the
hounds : when there is but one, it is seldom sweet ; and
when cleaned out, the hounds, particularly in winter,
suffer both whilst it is cleaning, and as long as it remains
wet afterwards.
*'The floor of each lodging-room should be bricked,
and sloped on both sides to run to the center, with a
b2
28 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Interior of the Kennel.
gutter left to carry off the water, that when they are
washed, they may be soon dry. If water should stand
through any fault in the floor, it should be carefully
mopped up ; for as warmth is in the greatest degree
necessary to hounds after work, so damps are equally
prejudicial.
" I also wish that, contrary to the usual practice in
building kennels, you would have three doors ; two in
front, and one in the back, the last to have a lattice
window in it, with a wooden shutter, which is constantly
to be kept closed when the hounds are in, except in
summer, when it should be left open all the day. This
door answers two very necessary purposes : It gives an
opportunity of carrying out the straw when the lodging-
room is cleaned, and as it is opposite to the window, will
be a means to let in a thorough air, which will greatly
contribute to the keeping of it sweet and wholesome.
The other doors will be of use in drying the room, when
the hounds are out, and as one is to be kept shut, and
the other hooked back, (allowing just room for a dog to
pass) they are not liable to any objection. The great
window in the centre should have a folding shutter;
half, or the whole of which, may be shut at nights, accord-
ing to the weather ; and your kennels by that means,
may be kept warm, or cool, just as you please to have
them. The two great lodging-rooms are exactly alike,
and as each has a court belonging to it, are distinct ken-
nels, and are at the opposite ends of the building ; in the
centre of which, is the boiling-house, and feeding-yard ;
and on each side a lesser kennel, either for hounds that
are drafted off; hounds that are sick or lame ; or for any
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 29
Interior of the Kennel.
other purposes, as occasion may require. At the back
of which, as they are but half the depth of the two great
kennels, are places for coals, &c. for the use of the kennel.
There is also a small building in the rear for hot bitches.
The floors of the inner courts, like to those of the lodging-
rooms, are bricked and sloped to run to the centre, and
a channel of water, brought in by a leaden pipe, runs
through the middle of them. In the centre of each court
is a well, large enough to dip a bucket to clean the ken-
nels ; this must be faced with stone, or it will be often
out of repair. In the feeding-yard, you must have a
wooden cover.
'*The benches, which must be open to let the urine
through, shovdd have hinges and hooks in the wall, that
they may fold up, for the greater convenience of washing
out the kennel ; and they should be made as low as pos-
sible, that a tired hovmd may have no difficulty in jmnping
up ; let me add, that the boiler should be of cast-iron.
*' The rest of the kennel consists of a large court in
front, which is also bricked, having a grass-court adjoin-
ing, and a little brook running through the middle of it.
The earth which was taken out of it, is thrown up into
a mount, where the hounds in summer delight to sit.
This court is planted round with trees, and has besides
a lime tree, and some horse chesnut trees near the middle
of it, for the sake of shade. A high pale incloses the
whole ; part of which, to the height of about four feet,
is close ; the other open : tlie intex'stices are about two
inches wide. The grass-court is pitched (paved) near
the pale, to prevent the hounds from scratching out.
b3
30 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Appendages to the Kennel.
"At the back of the kennel is a house, thatched and
furzed up on the sides, big enough to contain at least a
load ^f straw. Here should be a pit ready to receive
the dung, and a gallows for the flesh. The gal-lows
should have a thatched roof, and a circular board at the
posts of it, to prevent vermin from climbing up.
"A stove,* I believe, is made use of in some kennels;
but where the feeder is a good one, a mop, properly
used, will render it unnecessary. I have a little hay-
rick in the grass-yard, which I think is of use to keep
the hounds clean and fine in their coats ; you will find
them frequently rubbing themselves against it : the shade
of it also is useful to them in summer. If ticks at any
time should be troublesome in your kennel, let the walls
of it be well washed ; if that does not destroy them, the
walls should then be whitewashed.
* I cannot agree with Beckford that stoves are unnecessary ; on the
contrary, as nothing is more conducive to the health of hounds than
' w-armth, so the introduction and use of stoves in newly-built or damp
tennels must be of the most essential utility. In the year 1825, Sir Bel-
lingham Graham's hounds took possession of 3 new kennel built near
Shrewsbury ; many of them soon afterwards became lame in the shoulder,
and continued to get worse in defiance of the application of various means
for their restoration : the disease spread — it might justly be called an epi-
demic; the progress of which was ultimately arrested by the introduction
of stoves. — This lameness in the shoulder is by no means a new disease ;
it has frequently shewn itself, and indeed occasionally made considerable
havock ; yet. upon investigation, 1 am inclined to think, that it has seldom,
if ever, been known in dry, warm kennels. Like the rheumatism in the
human subject, it is brought on by humidity or cold, or both ; and, like
that disease, is only to be removed by the administration of heat But, as
a preventative is preferable to a cure, so, therefore, are stoves to be recom-
mended as a certain method of obviating lameness in the shoulder, which,
to say the least of it, renders a hound completely useless.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 31
The Quorndon Kennel.
" In the summer when you do not hunt, one kennel
will be sufficient ; the other then may be for the youug
hounds, who should also have the grass-court adjoining
to it. It is best at that time of the year to keep them
separate, and it prevents many accidents which otherwise
might happen ; nor should they be put together till the
hunting season begins. If your hounds are very quarrel-
some, the feeder may sleep in a cot, in the kennel adjoin-
ing ; and if they are well chastised at the first quarrel,
his voice will be sufficient to settle all their differences
afterwards. Close to the door of the kennel, let there
be always a quantity of little switches ; which three narrow
boards, nailed to one of the posts, will easily contain.
" My kennel is close to the road-side, but it was un-
avoidable. This is the reason why my front pale is close,
and only the side ones open ; it is a great fault : avoid it
if you can, and your hounds will be the quieter."
Beckford's remarks are evidently characterized by
good sense, and no doubt can be entertained that his
knowledge on the subject was not only extensive, but
even accurate, to speak by comparison ; yet, as the human
genius is continually at work, so the kennel may be said
to have shared the benefits arising from its labours.
Improvements have unquestionably been made upon the
plan of Mr. Beckford. The kennel of the first fox-
hunting establishment in the world (the Quorndon, at
present under the direction of Mr. Osbaldeston) is suffi-
ciently extensive to accommodate about one hundred
couple of hounds. It consists of two very spacious grass
courts, without either mount or brook, with several lodg-
ing-rooms, (four, if my memory be correct) some of which
32 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Duke of Rutland's Kennel.
are circular, and have not only a very pretty appearance,
but are preferable even on the score of utility : the stage
upon which the hounds repose in these circular lodging-
rooms is also circular, placed in the centre of the apart-
ment, sufficient space being left to walk round it, and thus
the hounds may be said to be placed out of the reach of
damp walls — the superiority of this plan is obvious at the
first glance. The boiling-house and feeding-room are
conveniently contrived, and placed of course near the
lodging-rooms. Mr. Osbaldeston's house is situated close
to the kennel, a door from which may be said indeed to
open into one of the grass courts. The stable, capable
of containing about thirty hunters, is situated on the same
side of the kennel, and also joins the mansion. The
huntsman's house is at the opposite corner, the door of
which opens into the kennel close to the lodging-rooms.
The feeder sleeps close to the lodging-rooms also. —
The boiling-house, lodging-rooms, &c. may be said to
form the top of the kennel, an entrance from which leads
into a circular covered ride, where the horses are exer-
cised in wet weather. At a short distance is situated
another kennel for the young hounds, the court of which
is of considerable extent.
The kennels of his Grace the Duke of Rutland are
worthy of attention, as well as several others in various
parts of the kingdom. More on the subject of the kennel
seems unnecessary.
CHAPTER III.
Extraordinary Speed of Fox Hounds. — Of the Origin
of Hounds — The Talbot or Blood Hound, the Stag
Hound, the Southern Hound, the Beagle, the Fox
Hound. — The Olfactory Organs of the Hound. — Of
the Si%e, Colour, and Breeding of Hounds, Sfc.
The kennel being prepared, its tenants of course form
the next subject for consideration. The breeding of
hounds demands the utmost attention of the sportsman ;
and I am incHned to think, that, up to the present period,
it has not been thoroughly understood : I am of opinion
that we have not reached the acme of perfection in this
respect, although I am aware that extraordinary hounds
have occasionally made their appearance, whose perform-
ances are to be found recorded in several pubhcations,
and who have therefore obtained a triumphant immor-
tahty through the medium of the press. For instance,
two hounds belonging to the late Mr. Barry, (then
master of the Cheshire hounds) Bluecap and Wanton,
became celebrious for micommon speed : they are said to
have run a drag "from the Rubbing House at New-
market-town-end, to the Rubbing House at the starting-
post of the Beacon course, in a few seconds more than
eight minutes," beating two capital hounds belonging to
the late Mr. Meyncll. Merkin, a fox-hound bitch, bred
by the late Colonel Thornton, ran a trial of four miles,
34 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
The Talbot,
which she performed in seven minutes and half a second.
Madcap was another famous hound belonging to the
same gentleman; as also Lounger, who was supposed
to be the best fox-hound of his time. " Madcap, at
two years old, challenged all England for 500 guineas.
Lounger, brother to Madcap, did the same at four years
old ; the challenge was accepted, and a bet made for 200
guineas, to run Mr. Meynell's Pillager ; the parties were
also allowed to start any other hound of Mr. Meynell's,
and Lounger was to beat both ; but, upon Lounger being
seen at Tattersall's by many of the first sportsmen, his
bone and form were so capital that it was thought proper
to pay forfeit, which was done by giving Colonel Thorn-
ton a pair of gold couples." These, however, are instances
merely of extraordinary speed, which is certainly highly
necessary in a fox-hound ; yet, there are other qualities,
and superior olfactory organs in particular, which ought
to be considered as equally indispensable.
All the ramifications of the hound which we at present
possess sprung from one and the same source, namely,
the Talbot, or old English blood-hound.* These dogs
are noticed by our immortal bard, who represents them
as " crook-kneed and dewlapt, like Thessalian bulls."
Shakespeare, it is well known, was prosecuted for deer-
* A very different animal from the blood'bound employed by the Spani-
ards in the West Indies, to hunt the runaway negroes. The Spanish
blood-hound is a large ferocious animal, with small pointed cars, and very
inferior olfactory organs ; so much so indeed, that in all intricate cases
they are accompanied by a smaller dog, called a ^nrfer. For a further
illustration of this subject, we refer the reader to Dallas's Historij of the
Maroon War.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 35
Or okl English Blood-hound.
stealing, by Sir Thomas Lucy ; and as the Talbot, or
something nearly allied to the Talbot, was used at this
period by deer-stealers, he must have been well ac-
quainted with them. Crook-kneed is not a flattering
recommendation in a hound, nor is such a circumstance
noticed by Somervile, who thus describes the Talbot : —
" But if th'amphibious otter be thy chase,
Or stately stag, that o'er the woodland reigns.
Or if t'harmonious thunder of the field
Delight thy ravished ears, the deep-flew'd hound
Breed up with care, strong, heavy, slow, but sure;
Whose ears down hanging from his thick round head
Shall sweep the morning dew, whose clanging voice
Awake the mountain echo in her cell,
And shake the forests : the bold Talbot kind,
Of these the prime as white Alpine snows,
And great their use of old."
It is very probable that neither Shakespeare nor
Somervile was so intimately acquainted with the Talbot,
as to render either of their descriptions perfectly accu-
rate. As to the dewlap noticed by the former, we see
a striking approach to this in many of the deep-mouthed
hounds of the present day ; which an old sporting friend
was wont to denominate, significantly enough, " throaty
dogs."
Those specimens of the Talbot, or at least of a near
approach to the Talbot, which have fallen under my
observation, were animals of great size, in height about
twenty-seven inches, bony and powerful. Their heads
and ears were very large, with much loose skin or leather
about the mouth, and the nose much more obtuse than
36 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
The Talbot,
pointed. Their countenances were expressive of a solemn
sagacity, which rendered them highly interesting and
even majestic. Voice very deep and sonorous. In
colour they were inclining to what may be called the
dark tan, though Somervile seems to think (I believe
erroneously) that white was the distinguishing colour of
the prime Talbot.
The stag-hounds, which, about forty years since, were
used by George III. manifested a considerable degree
of affinity to the Talbot. In many of what are called
the southern-hounds, we have a tolerable picture of the
Talbot, only that the animal is much smaller. Mr.
Charlesworth, who keeps the Black Swan Inn, Shude
Hill, Manchester, has, at this time, (1826) a hound, which
in height measures twenty-seven inches, and every way
answers the description of the Talbot as nearly as pos-
sible.
Something of the Talbot kind was in use amongst the
Greeks, as may be gathered from the following descrip-
tion of the dog of Ulysses : —
*« He knew his Lord, he knew, and strove to meet ;
In vain he strove to crawl and kiss his feet;
Yet all he could, his tail, his ears, his eyes,
Salute his Master and confess his joys.
O had you seen him vigorous, bold, and young,
Swift as a stag, and as a lion strong :
Him no fell savage on the plains withstood,
None scap'd him bosom 'd in the gloomy wood.
His eye how piercing, and his scent how true,
To wind the vapour in th« tainted dew.
This dog, wliom fate thus granted to behold
His Lord, when twenty tedious years had roirri,
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 37
Or old English Blood-hound.
Takes a last look, and having seen bim, dies.
So closed for ever, faithful Argus' eyes.
Then pity touched the mighty Warrior's soul,
And down his cheek a tear unbidden stole." — Pope.
As I have already hinted, there is strong reason to
believe the Normans first introduced the Talbot or blood-
hound into this kingdom ; and some centuries afterwards
they were used on the borders of England and Scotland,
Avhich were then much infested by robbers and also by
murderers. The dogs were maintained by a tax upon
the inhabitants, though individuals were no doubt pri-
vately possessed of them. In Scotland, a law existed,
that no person should deny entrance to these dogs when
in pursuit of stolen goods upon pain of being deemed an
accessary. Persons called Moss Troopers were pursued
by hounds of this description. These robbers generally
retired with their plunder through mosses (morasses),
bogs, and sloughs, which were passable only to those
acquainted with the various intricate paths by which alone
these places could be crossed by a human being. This
peculiar pursuit was distinguished by the name of Hot-
trod, and the dogs were sometimes called slough-hounds
and .s/<??/^^-hounds, as well as blood-hounds.
" Upon the banks
Of Tweed, slow winding through the vale, the seat
O war and rapine once, ere Britons knew
The sweets of peace, or Anna's dread commands
To lasting leagues the haughty rivals aw'd.
There dwelt a pilfering race, well train'd and skill'd
In all the mysteries of theft, the spoil
Their only substance, feuds and war their sport:
38 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
The Talbot. !
Veil'd in the shades of night, they ford the stream.
Then, prowling far and near, whate'er they seize j
Becomes their prey j nor flocks nor herds are safe, j
Nor stalls protect the steer, nor strong-bart'd doors (
Secure the favourite horse. Soon as the morn j
Reveals his wrongs, with ghastly visage wan '
The plunder'd owner stands, and from his lips
A thousand thronging curses burst their way : i
He calls his stout allies, and in a line {
His faithful hound he leads, then with a voice j
That utters loud his rage, attentive cheers :
Soon the sagacious brute, his curling tail i
Flourish'd in air, low bending plies around I
His busy nose, the steaming vapour snufFs i
Inquisitive, nor leaves one turf untried, '
Till, conscious of the recent stains, his heart
Beats quick ! bis snuffling nose, his active tail, \
Attest his joy ; then with deep opening mouth.
That makes the welkin tremble, he proclaims \
Th' audacious felon ; foot by foot he marks j
His winding way, while all the listening crowd j
Applaud his reasonings. O'er the watery ford, I
Dry sandy heaths, and stony barren hills.
O'er beaten paths, with men and beasts distain'd, '
Unerring he pursues ; till at the cot i
Arriv'd, and seizing by his guilty throat \
The caitiff vile, redeems the captive prey ; (
So exquisitely delicate his sense !"
i
The chieftains and great men who resided on or near j
the borders of the two kingdoms some centuries ago, !
encouraged, rather than repressed, the depredations j
which were here committed ; and in which, indeed, j
themselves occasionally joined. «
Admitting, therefore, that the Talbot was the source j
whence have sprung all our present varieties of the hound |
HUNTING DIRECTORY* 39
Of various Hounds.
tribe, we may regard as the first remove that large dog
used a century ago in the pursuit of the stag, and which
it is well known, would perseveringly continue the chase
of the hunted deer in defiance of any obstacle, and even
through a herd of the same animals.
The southern-hoimd is smaller than the doe: last
noticed ; but retains as much, if not more, of the Talbot
blood ; in fact, what is called a thorough southern-
hoimd, may be regarded as a smaller kind of Talbot.
The first remove from the southern-hound is the kibbley
many of which may be seen in Lancashire, particularly
in the neighbourhood of Manchester. The Ashton (a
few miles from Manchester) pack of harriers is composed
of hounds of this description, and there are few, if any,
better harriers to be found in the kingdom. The Roch-
dale harriers are of the same description, as well as
several other packs in the same neighbourhood.
In some parts, beagles are used in the pursuit of the
hare ; and these may be divided into two classes — the
large and the lap-dog beagle. These dogs appear like
dwarfs in the hound tribe, and are distinguishable by
their short legs and elongated bodies.
There are many hounds to be met with resolvable to
none of the classes above enumerated, but which appear
to be a mixture of the whole ; nothing, indeed, is more
common than an union of the large harrier and the
beagle for the pursuit of the hare ; and homids thus
bred, are well calculated for the purpose just mentioned.
As the stag hound already noticed, constituted the
first remove from the Talbot, and was nearly the same
height, but not so heavy, it may be supposed, that the
40 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
The Fox-hound.
large lurcher or something of the greyhound kind, was
employed in his production. It will be more difficult to
account for the immediate origin of the southern-hound,
unless, indeed, we suppose, that accident produced a
few Talbots of a smaller kind, and hence they were pro-
pagated. The same sort of reasoning may be applied
to the beagle, while the fox-hound of the present day is
evidently a mixture of the whole ; and as the crosses for
the production of this animal have been directed by the
different opinions of a number of individuals, so we may
perceive the reason of that great variety in these animals
which cannot have escaped the notice even of the most
indifferent observer. Yet, generally speaking, sufficient
reflection has not been exerted in the production of the
fox-hound — speed has been the principal object of con-
sideration, and on this account fox-hounds have been
produced with such inferior olfactory organs, that they
were utterly incapable of pursuing the chase unless the
atmosphere was as favourable to scent as possible.
It became the fashion also to consider a small head in
the fox-hound as indispensable to the beauty of his
appearance, which is utterly incompatible with exquisite
sense of smell. — It is a very well-known fact, that the
sense of smell varies very much in dogs ; or, to speak as
a sportsman, some of them possess better noses than
others. In dogs with broad heads, the os aethmoides,
or sive bone, is much larger than in narrow headed dogs ;
the laminae cribrose, or the sive itself, is therefore more
capacious, and contams more openings ; so that the olfac-
tory nerves, which pass through it, are more numerous,
and are divided more minutely, and thus that exquisite
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 41
Sense of Smell.
acuteness of smell is produced, which is found to obtain
in the Talbot, and all dogs with broad heads : this excel-
lence or superiority of the olfactory organs is further
assisted by the largeness and flexibility of the lips and
skin about the nose, which thus admit of a much greater
extension of the olfactory nerves, and render them more
susceptible of external impressions. The olfactory nerves
resemble a bunch of small white cords, one end of which
is connected with the brain, while the other, descending
the head, spreads into numerous ramifications, reaching
to the edges of the lips as well as to the extremity of the
nose.
Hence the inferiority of the greyhound's sense of smell
will be easily perceived : his head is narrow, while his
lips are thin and compressed ; and in consequence of this
inflexibility, and the contracted structure of the head,
the requisite breadth and extension of nerve are inad-
missible ; and to make up, as it might seem, for the
defect, nature has endowed limi with a celerity which is
not to be met with in any other species of the dog.
All dogs, therefore, with broad heads, must possess
superior organs of smell ; but it does not appear that a
narrow or sharp nose presents any obstacle, as the main
bulk of the olfactory nerves is situated in the head. The
wolf and the fox appear to have sharp noses ; but their
heads are remarkably broad and capacious : — their olfac-
tory organs are vmquestionably exquisite.
Somervile seems to have been completely ignorant
respecting the cause of the dog's sense of smell. Beck-
ford was equally so. The following epistle, however,
throws a flood of light upon the subject, of which it is
c
42 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Sense of Smell.
also a very strong and admirable illustration. Will.
Deane, in writing to Lord Fitzwilliam, his master,
observes, " that he could not guess at Lord Foley's dis-
like to the hound called Glider, then sent, which was
of the best blood of the country, being got by Mr. Mey-
nell's Glider out of Lord Fitzwilliam's Blossom, and was
moreover the most promising yovmg hound he had ever
entered, unless his Lordship took a distaste to the large-
tiess of his head ; but he begged leave to assert, although
it might appear a trifle out of size, there was a world of
serious mischief against the foxes contained in it." —
Glider proved himself a first-rate hound ; his superiority
indeed was so manifest, that he became a favourite stal-
lion hound, " notwithstanding the magnitude and inele-
gance of his head."
Wlien Mr. Hay hunted the country in the neighbour-
hood of Newcastle-under-lyme (at present hunted by Mr.
Wicksted), I recollect noticing the exertions of a hound
(Gaoler, I believe, he was called) whose head was con-
sidered out of proportion, but who was, nevertheless, the
best hound in the pack ; and I make no doubt, should
these remarks fall under the observation of Mr. Hay, that
he will have a perfect recollection of this hound, and, for
aught I know, he may still be in possession of him.
The Quorndon pack, though it has frequently changed
masters, has always stood deservedly high in the estima-
tion of the fox-hunter. These hounds are uncommonly
fleet, and, as I observed some pages back, are calculated
for Leicestershire. The Duke of Rutland's are of the
same description, and hunt a similar country. Lord
Lonsdale's hounds, though they hunt the neighbourhood
of Melton, differ from the two former packs both in ap-
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 43
Various Hounds.
pearance and in their style of hunting : they are, for the
most part, large, leggy clogs, and are neither so quick in
drawing, nor so fleet in the chase. The Cheshire hounds
(Sir Harry Mainwaring's) are much like the Quorndon
and the Duke of Rutland's ; and, as far as I am able
to form an opinion from considerable observation, are
equal to any fox-hounds in the kingdom, a circumstance
indeed which I have already noticed in the earlier pages
of this volume. Mr. Wicksted's hounds, when they fell
under my notice, presented the appearance of being
calculated for business, but it was his first season ; he
had not had sufficient time to render them complete as a
pack, though from what I noticed of this gentleman, I am
persuaded that every exertion will be made to render
them so as soon as possible. I might extend similar ob-
servations to many other packs which I have followed,
but it is no way necessary ; those who are disposed to
breed and improve, if possible, fox-hounds, will find
ample materials for the purpose ; nor have I the least
doubt, that they are still susceptible of improvement,
which will require some little time to accomplish, and can
only be brought about by a variety of crosses.
The best fox-hounds, perhaps, that were ever seen,
were those bred by the late Colonel Thornton ; and this
gentleman, to accomplish his purpose, resorted to the
method I have just mentioned. Madcap and Lounger,
two of his most celebrated fox-hounds, could scarcely be
considered as thoroughly English, since, on the side of
the sire, they were of Continental extraction. Colonel
Thornton, however, was never possessed of many fox-
hounds—about sixteen or twenty couple, if I correctly
44 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Speed of the Fox-hound.
understood Sir Edward Smith Dodsworth, as we rode
together towards the town of Pontefract, after a long and
distressing run with the Bads worth, in the month of
November, 1825, was the extent of his pack.
As far as relates to speed, the fox-hound may be re-
garded as perfect ; but the same remark will not apply to
his olfactory organs, or powers of smell : if the perfection
of these two quaUties could be united, nothing more could
be desired. I am aware that the Talbot, so celebrated
for his exquisite sense of smell, was slow in the pursuit ;
this observation is equally applicable to the southern
hound ; and the question is, whether or not it would be
possible to unite the olfactory organs of the southern
hound to that speed and dash which renders fox-hunting
so superior to every other species of the chase. That
such a desirable object is susceptible of accomplishment,
little doubt can be entertained ; and indeed, the instance
already noticed of Glider and Gaoler, seem to place the
matter beyond a doubt.
Of late years, speed has been the principal object of
consideration in the breeding of hounds. In 1824, I
happened to visit Knowsley, near Liverpool, the resi-
dence of the Earl of Derby, where his lordship's hounds
are kept in smnmer. Of course I visited the kennel,
when Jonathan, the huntsman, earnestly directed my
attention to a bitch, which, he exultingly remarked, coidd
" run four miles in less time than a greyhound !" — Lord
Derby's hounds exhibit the appearance of fox-hounds,
though used for the pursuit of the stag.
At all events, whenever a sportsman determines upon
breeding hounds, the individuals selected for the purpose
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 45
Breeding Hounds.
should be distinguished for some good quality, or indeed
for as many good qualities as possible. On this subject, I
will quote the opinion of Beckford ; and also the notions
of Somervile :
*' Consider (says the former) the size, shape, colour,
constitution, and natural disposition of the dog you breed
from ; as well as the fineness of his nose ; his stoutness,
and method of hunting. On no accovmt breed from one
that is not stout ^ that is not tender-nosed, or that is a
skirter. — Somervile enjoins still further :
" Observe with care his shape, sort, colour, size :
Nor will sagacious huntsmen less regard
His inward habits ; the vain babbler shun,
Ever loquacious, ever in the wrong ;
His foolish ofTspring shall offend thy ears
With false alarms, and loud impertinence.
Nor less the shifting cur avoid, that breaks
Illusive from the pack ; to the next hedge
Devious he strays, there ev'ry meuse he tries,
If haply then he cross the steaming scent,
Away he flies, vain-glorious j and exults
As of the pack supreme, and in his speed
And strength unrivall'd. Lo ! cast far behind
His vcx'd associates pant, and lab'ring strain
To climb the steep ascent. Soon as they reach
Th' insulting boaster, his false courage fails.
Behind he lags, doom'd to the fatal noose.
His master's hate, and scorn of all the field.
What can from such be hop'd, but a base brood
Of coward curs, a frantic, vagrant race ?"
" It is the judicious cross that makes the complete pack.
The faults and imperfections in one breed, may be rec-
tified in another ; and if this is properly attended to, 1
c3
46 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Breeding Hounds.
see no reason why the breedmg of hounds may not
improve, till improvement can go no farther. If ever you
find a cross hit, always pursue it. — Never put an old dog
to an old bitch. — Be careful that they are healthy which
you breed from, or you are not likely to have a healthy
offspring. — Should a favourite dog skirt a little, put him
to a thorough line-hunting bitch, and such a cross may
succeed : my objection to the breeding from such a hound
is, that as skirting is what most fox-hounds acquire from
practice, you had better not make it natural to them.
" The feeder should watch over the bitches with a
cautious eye, and separate such as are going to be proud,
before it is too late. The advances they make frequently
portend mischief as well as love ; and, if not prevented
in time, will not fail to set the whole kennel together by
the ears, and may occasion the death of your best dogs :
'care only can prevent it. —
Mark well the wanton females of thy pacli,
That curl their taper tails, and frisking court
Their pyebald mates enamour'd ; their red eyes
Flash fires impure ; nor rest, nor food they take,
Goaded by furious love. In sep'rate cells
Confine them now, lest bloody civil wars
Annoy thy peaceful state. Somervile.
"It is advisable to breed early in the year : January,
February, and March, are the best months. Late pup-
pies seldom come to much ; if there are any such, put
them to the best walks. — When bitches begin to get big,
they should cease to hunt : it frequently proves fatal to
the whelps ; sometimes to the bitch herself; nor is it safe
for them to remain much longer in the kennel. — If "pne
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 47
Treatment of Wheliis.
bitch has many puppies, more than she can well rear,
you may put some of them to another bitch ; or if you
destroy any of them, you may keep the best-coloured.
They sometimes will have an extraordinary number.
" I have known (says Beckford) an instance of one
having fifteen ; and a friend of mine, whose veracity 1
cannot doubt, has assured me that a hound in his pack,
brought forth sixteen, all alive. When you breed from
a very favourite sort, and can have another bitch warded
at the same time, it will be of great service, as you may
then save all the puppies. — Give particular orders, that
the bitches be well fed with flesh; and let the whelps
remain till they are well able to take care of themselves.
They will soon learn to lap milk, which will relieve the
mother. — The bitches, when their whelps are taken away
from them, should be physicked ; I generally give them
three purging balls, one every other morning. If a bitch
brings only one or two puppies, and you have another
bitch that will take them, by putting the puppies to her,
the former will soon be fit to hunt again ; she should,
however, be physicked first; and if her dugs are anointed
with brandy and water, it will also be of service. The
distemper makes dreadful havock with whelps at their
walks; greatly owing, I believe, to the little care that is
taken of them there. I am in doubt whether it might
not be better to breed them up yourself, and have a ken-
nel on purpose. You have a large orchard paled in,
which would suit them exactly ; and what else is wanted
might be easily obtained. There is, however, an ob-
jection which perhaps may strike you : — If the distemper
once gets amongst them, they must all have it ; yet, not-
48 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Treatment of Whelps.
withstanding that, as they will be constantly well fed,
and will lie warm, I am confident it would be the saving
of many lives. If you should adopt this method, you
must remember to use them early to go in couples ; and
when they get of a proper age, they must be walked out
often ; for should they remain confined, they would
neither have the shape, health, nor understanding they
ought to have. When I kept harriers, I bred up some
of the puppies at a distant kennel ; but having no ser-
vants there to exercise them properly, I found them much
inferior to such of their brethren, as had the luck to
survive the many difficulties and dangers they had
undergone at their walks ; these were afterwards equal
to anythhig, and afraid of nothing ; while those that had
been nursed with so much care, were weakly, and timid,
and had every disadvantage attending private education.
*' I have often heard as an excuse for hounds not hunt-
ing a cold scent, that they were too high bred.
I confess, I know not what that means :* but this I know,
that hounds are frequently too ill-bred to be of any service.
It is judgment in the breeder, and patience afterwards
in the huntsman, that make them hunt.
* The term " toe high bred " is, however, in general use among Sports-
men, by whom it is very well understood, and is, beyond all question, suffi-
ciently expressive. It is applied to light, fleet hounds, with small heads,
(and consequently very inferior noses) which are only able to pursue under
the most favourable circumstances, er when the scent is breast high. Sir
Harry Mainwaring's, Mr. Osbaldeston's, and the Duke of Rutland's are
all as highly bred perhaps as is consistent with the nature of the business ;
they can, however, both hunt and run; but of all fox-hounds which have
fallen under my observation, those of Mr. Mcynell, of Hoarecross Hall,
Staflbrdshirc, appealed the highest bred, and were, in my opinion, rather
too highbj bred.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 49
Naming of Whelps.
'* Young hounds are commonly named when first put
out, and sometimes indeed ridiculously enough ; nor is
it easy, when you breed many, to find suitable or har-
monious names for all ; particularly, as it is usual to name
all the whelps of one fitter, with the same letter, which
(to be systematically done) should also be the initial letter
of the dog that got them, or the bitch that bred them.
A baronet of my acquaintance, a literal observer of the
above rule, sent three young hounds of one litter to a
friend, all their names beginning, as he said, with the
letter G. Goivler, Govial, and Galloper.
*' It is indeed of little consequence what huntsmen call
their hounds ; yet, if you dislike an unmeaning name,
would it not be as well to leave the naming of them till
they are brought home ? They soon learn their names,
and a shorter fist would do. — Damons and Delias would
not then be necessary ; nor need the sacred names of
Titus and Trajan be thus degraded. It is true there are
many odd names which custom authorises ; yet I cannot
think, because some drunken fellow or other, has
christened his dog Tipler, or Tapster, that there is the
least reason to follow the example. Pipers and Fidlers,
for the sake of their music, we will not object to ; but
Tiplers and Tapsters your kennel will be much better
without."
In regard to the size as well as the colour of hounds,
it is not fikely that there should be an union of opinion ;
but if the matter be attentively considered, it will, I
think, be found that hounds of the middle size are the
strongest, and capable of enduring the greatest fatigue.
A good hound cannot be of a bad colour, it may be said :
50 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Form of the Hound.
but a diversity of colour in a pack, has at least an inter-
esting and beautiful appearance. Of the form of the
hound, there will not be much difference of opinion :
" His glossy skin, or yellow-pied, or blue.
In lights or shades, by nature's pencil drawn,
Reflects the various tints : his ears and legs
Fleckt here and there, in gay enamel'd pride.
Rival the speckled pard ; his rush-grown tail
O'er his broad back bends in an ample arch ;
On shoulders clean, upright and firm he stands ;
His round cat foot, straight hams, and wide-spread thighs,
And his low dropping chest, confess his speed,
His strength, his wind, or on the steepy hill,
Or far-extended plain ; in every part
So well-proportion'd, that the nicer skill
Of Phidias himself can't blame thy choice.
Of such compose thy pack. But here a mean
Observe, nor the large hound prefer, of size
Gigantic; he in the thick-woven covert
Painfully tugs, or in the thorny brake,
Torn and embarrass'd, bleeds ; but, if too small,
The pigmy brood in every furrow swims;
jMoil'd in the clogging clay, panting they lag
Behind inglorious; or else, shivering creep,
Benumb'd and faint, beneath the sheltering thorn.
For hounds of middle size, active and strong,
Will better answer all thy various ends,
And crown thy pleasing labours with success."
It has been observed by Beckford, that "it is the
judiciqus cross that makes the complete pack ;" and in
this I perfectly agree with him ; but in writing to his
friend, he further remarks : — " A very famous sportsman
has told me that he frequently breeds from brothers and
sisters : as I should be very unwilling to urge any thing
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 51
Breediii" in and in.
in opposition to such an authority, you had better try
it." Such a system I cannot recommend for the following
reasons :
In the first place, I would wish it to be fully impressed
upon the mind of the sportsman, that, whenever, by
judicious crosses or otherwise, he has obtained hounds
of first-rate excellence, he must, nevertheless, in order
to preserve such excellence, call in the assistance of
other breeds of repute ; smce, if he confine the propa-
gation to the same family, the strain will degenerate,
and m the thu'd or fourth generation will become literally
good for nothing. — Relationship should be as much as
possible avoided in breeding, nor can any better plan be
adopted than procuring either the dog or bitch from a
distant part of the country.
The ill consequences of breeding in and in, to use a
sportsman's phrase, are now tolerably well known, and
the remark is not confined to hounds only, but would seem
to apply equally perhaps to the whole circle of nature.
The judicious farmer, aware of the evil, spares neither
expense nor pains in crossing his horses, cows, and sheep ;
his pigs and poultry. Even the human species, by the
intermarriages of famihes, strikingly exemplifies these
observations — degeneracy of mind as of body is thus
produced ; scrofulous diseases are the certain result ;
and hence scrofula is less frequent in large towns ; but is
uniformly found to prevail in all secluded villages, where
the continued intercourse of thesame families has existed
for a few generations.
If, therefore, the object of the sportsman be to pro-
cure and maintain a good breed of hounds, let him have
52 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Treatment of Young Hounds.
recourse to other breeds of undisputed merit, if from a
distant part the better perhaps ; but if his neighbour's
dogs stand in no degree of affinity, he need not be at the
trouble of seeking for greater strangers.
The foregoing remarks are not exclusively appUcable
to animated nature, but may be very justly extended to
the vegetable world : hence the farmer never sows corn
on the land where it was produced ; and hence seed
potatoes grown in Scotland are imported into Lancashire,
where this useful vegetable attains the utmost possible
perfection.
A bitch will become proud very frequently before she
is twelve months old, the first symptoms of which are
the red appearance and sweUing of the vulva; but she
will not, for some days, suffer the dog to ward her :
however, as the heat advances, she will play and dally
with him, and manifest every inclination to copulate.
But as these animals grow generally till they are two
years old, they ought not to be suffered to breed before
that period. Nor is it a little remarkable, that, if you
suffer a bitch to receive several dogs, such as a terrier, a
greyhound, a bulldog, &c. she will frequently produce
puppies of all the different kinds.
Young hounds should be tied up or confined as little
as possible, as it spreads their feet, and they become out
at the elbows, and bandy-legged. The same effects will
be produced in a full-grown dog, but in a much less
degree. Dogs of all ages should have free access to
good clean water, a clear stream if possible.
The period of gestation in the bitch is about sixty-
three days. The young are brought forth blind : the
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 53
Dog's Age.
two eye-lids are not merely glued together, but shut up
with a membrane, which is torn off as soon as the muscles
of the upper eye-lids acquire sufficient strength to over-
come this obstacle to vision, which generally happens
about the tenth day. At this period the young annuals
are extremely clumsy and awkward. The bones of the
head are not completed ; the body and muzzle are bloated,
and the whole figure appears ill-designed. Their growth,
however, is rapid ; and in about six weeks they acquire
the use of all their senses. When four months old, they
lose their teeth, which are quickly replaced, and are
never afterwards changed.
A dog's age may be tolerably well ascertained by the
appearance of his teeth. A young dog's teeth generally
look clean and white ; — at an early period of his existence,
his front teeth are serrated, and as he increases in age,
this saw-like appearance gradually wears out. At four
years old, or perhaps sooner, it is no longer observable :
the teeth turn yellow, ftide, and drop out as the animal
grows old ; and if he be fed principally on bones, his
teeth become short and blunt at an early period. A dog,
if worked hard, will turn grey at eight or nine years of
age, and exhibit every symptom of decay — such as bad
sight, loss of hearing, &c. Fourteen years is the general
period allotted for the life of a dog ; but if he be kept to
hard labour each season, he will seldom live so long.
CHAPTER IV.
Diseases of Hounds and Methods of Cure.
Young hounds should be put out to quarters, as soon
as they are fit to leave the bitch ; and, if there are suffi-
cient quarters for the whole of them so much the better.
They will of course be taken into the kennel towards the
spring of the following year : sometimes it will happen,
that young hounds manifest a disposition to chase, and
ultimately to worry, sheep, on which account, it becomes
necessary to take them into the kennel at an early period.
" When young hounds are first taken into the kennel,
they should be kept separate from the pack ; and as it
will happen at a time of the year, when there is little or
no hunting, you may easily give them up one of the ken-
nels, and grass court adjoining. Their play frequently
ends in a battle ; it is therefore less dangerous, when they
are all equally matched. What Somervile says on this
subject is exceedingly beautiful. —
'• But here with watchful and observant eye.
Attend their frolics, which too often end
In bloody broils and death. High o'er thy head
Wave thy resounding whip, and with a voice
Fierce-menacing o'er-rule the stern debate,
And quench their kindling rage ; for oft in sport
Begun, combat ensues, growling they snarl.
Then, on their haunches rear'd, rampant they seize
E^ch other's throats, with teeth, and claws, in gore
Besmcar'd, they wound, they tear, till on the ground,
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 55
Quarrelsome Hounds.
Panting, half dead, the conquer'd champion lies :
Then sudden all the base ignoble crowd
Loud-clam'ring seize the helpless worried wretch,
And thirsting for his blood, drag different ways
His mangled carcass on th'ensanguin'd plain.
O breasts of pity void ! t'oppress the weak,
To point your vengeance at the friendless head,
And with one mutual cry insult the fallen !
Emblem too just of man's degenerate race."
'* If you find they take a dislike to any particular hound
the safest way will be to remove him ; or it is very pro-
bable they will kill him at last. When a feeder hears
the hounds quarrel in the kennel, he halloos to them to
stop them. He then goes in amongst them, and flogs
every hound he can come near. — How much more reason-
able as well as more efficacious would it be, were he to
see which wei"e the combatants, before he speaks to them.
Punishment would then fall as it ought, on the guilty only.
In all packs there are some hounds more quarrelsome
than the rest ; and it is to them we owe all the mischief
that is done. If you find chastisement cannot quiet
them, it may be prudent to break their holders ; for since
they are not necessary to them for the meat they have to
eat, they are not likely to serve them in any good purpose.
** Young hounds should be fed twice a day, as they
seldom take kindly at first to the kennel-meat, and the
distemper is very likely to seize them at this time. It is
better not to round them till they are thoroughly settled ;
nor should it be put off till the hot weather, for then they
would bleed too much."
Beckford says, "if any of the dogs are thin over the
back, or any more quarrelsome than the rest, it will be
56 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Worming Puppies.
of use to cut them : I also spay such bitches (says he) as
I think I shall not want to breed from ; they are more
useful, are stouter, and are always in better order : be-
sides it is absolutely necessary, if you hunt late in the
spring ; or your pack will be very short for want of it. It
may be right to tell you, that the latter operation does not
always succeed ; it will be necessary therefore to employ
a skilful person, and one on whom you can depend ; for
if it is ill done, though they cannot have puppies, they
will go to heat notwithstanding."
I must confess I am no strenuous advocate for the
practise of reducing hounds to the tieuter gender, or at
least depriving them of the power of procreation ; nor
can I help thinking, that, with the loss of this power,
hounds suffer a diminution of strength also — they are
certainly more easily kept in condition ; in fact, they are
apt to become too fat. If, however, it be determined to
resort to spaying, it is advisable to have the operation
performed at an early period, when the iuiimal is only a
few months old, for instance.
Worming puppies is a ridiculous operation ; — it will
not have the effect, which is erroneously attributed to it,
namely, of rendering the animal incapable of biting when
labouring under paroxysms of hydrophobia How it ever
could be supposed that extracting a sinew which runs
longitudinally under a dog's tongue Avould have the above
effect, is a matter of surprise ; and I blush at my own
thoughtlessness in adopting in several instances the fool-
ish idea, the offspring of ignorance, cind putting an animal
to pain, where no possible benefit could ever be reason-
ably expected.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 57
Diseases of Hounds.
Dogs, and young ones in particular, should be kept
in the country. If when a whelp be taken from its dam,
it is fed upon light food, such as potatoes and buttermilk,
with a little oatmeal, &c. and seldom or never indulged
with carrion, or flesh of any kind, it will scarcely ever be
attacked with the distemper, a disease which has been
long known in this country, and which makes frightful
havock amongst dogs bred in towns, highly fed, and which
have little exercise : — exercise in particular is a very es-
sential requisite to the health of young dogs.
Hounds are subject to all the disorders to Avhich dogs
in general are liable, and there are several diseases which
would appear peculiar to them, which will be pointed
out in their proper place in the course of the following
pages.
Young hounds, however, placed at good quarters, are
little liable to disease ; but are much more subject to ill-
ness when taken into the kennel. I shall give a list of the
diseases to which hounds are hable whether in or out of
the kennel ; in which, I am sorry to say, I shall be able
to derive little, if any, assistance from Beckford ; since
his notions on the subject are crude, and his method of
treatment, in a great degree, erroneous.
Wild animals reclaimed from a state of nature and do-
mesticated, are susceptible of great change and variety
in form, colour, and character ; and owing no doubt ta
being thus compelled to assume in some degree, an arti-
ficial mode of life, they are rendered more liable to dis-
orders. Animals in a state of nature are little subject to
disease : and though the wild dog subsists on flesh and
carrion, it is more than probable he is never troubled,
D
58 HUNTING. DIRECTORY.
The Distemper.
with what is distinguished by the appellation of the dis-
temper, or with any of that long catalogue of disorders,
to which he is rendered obnoxious after having become
the companion of man.
T/te Distempei: — The distemper frequently attacks a
hound before he has attained his first year. As a pre-
liminary observation, it may be remarked, that the same
membrane which lines the nostrils extends down the
wind-pipe into the lungs ; and the distemper, in the first
instance, may be regarded as an inflammation of this
membrane ; which, if not timely removed, extends down
to the lungs, where suppvu*ation will soon be produced ;
when the animal's eye will become dull, accompanied
by a mucous discharge, a cough, and loss of appetite.
As the disease advances it presents various appearances,
but is frequently attended with twitchings about the head,
while the animal becomes excessively weak in the loins
and hinder extremities ; indeed he appears completely
emaciated, and smells intolerably. At length, the twitch-
ings assume the appearance of convulsive fits, accompanied
with giddiness, which cause the dog to turn round : he
has a constant disposition to dung, with obstinate cos-
tiveness or incessant purging.
On the first appearance of the symptoms which I have
described, I should recommend the dog to be bled*
very freely and his body opened with a little castor oil
or syrvip of buckthorn : this will generally remove the
disease altogether, if apphed the moment the first symp-
* The quantity of blood taken to be regulated by the age and size of
the dog.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 59
Kemedies for the Distemper.
toms appear. If, however, this treatment should not
have the desh'ecl effect, and a cough ensues, accompa-
nied with a discharge at the nose, give him from two
grains to eight of tartar emetic (according to the age and
size of the dog) every other day. When the nervous
symptoms ensue, which I have ah'eady described, ex-
ternal stimulants (such as sal-ammoniac and oil, equal
parts) should be rubbed along the course of the spinal
marrow, and tonics given internally, such as bark, Sec.
Of the various remedies, the following was given with
success to a dog, so afflicted as to be scarcely able to
stand : —
Turbeth's mineral, six grains
mixed with sulphur, and divided into three doses, one
given every other morning. Let a few days elapse, and
repeat the course.
Another :
Calomel, one grain and a half
rhubarb, five grains
given every other day for a week.
Another :
Antimonial powder, sixteen grains
powdered fox-glove, one grain
made into four bolusses with conserve of roses, and one
given at night, and another the next morning for two
days.
I have known whitening administered for the distem-
per, a table spoonful every morning, with a little opening
physic occasionally.
I have uniformly found a complete cure effected from
copious and repeated venesection in the early stage of the
i-j: D 2
€0 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Description of
distemper, accompanied with a little opening medicine,
syrup of buckthorn, for instance. In the kennel of Sir
Harry Mainwaring, the distemper generally swept away
a third of the young hounds at least. In the present year
(1826) my system of treating the distemper was adopted,
and a single whelp has not been lost ; in fact, not one has
been seriously affected. Head, the huntsman, bled them
freely on the first indication of the disease, and admini-
stered an opening dose, which effectually answered the
purpose.
The following scientific description of the distemper
and its mode of treatment, cannot fail to be highly inter-
esting :
" A little black spaniel, six months old, very fat and
playftd, gradually became listless and irritable ; his eyes
suffiised with water, his drooping ears, tenesmus, rough
coat, dyspnoea, and frequent cough, announced that the
disease called the Distemper was at hand. In this state
he ran about for several days, when the difficulty of
breathing increased. His flanks beat violently, and he
shewed signs of feeling great pain when his sides were
pressed upon. Soon after he became slightly convulsed,
and by his continual and melancholy cry, both day and
night, proved that he was suffering from severe bodily
pahi. The convulsions increased and became incessant ;
his debility and emaciation were daily more apparent,
and at the expiration of three weeks he died.
For four days before his death, he lay in a supine quiet
state, perfectly conscious of what was passing near him ;
and it was only a few hoiu-s previous to his dissolution,
that he became comatose, and perfectly insensible. Dur-
ing the whole period of his illness, there was no aber-
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 61
the Distemper.
ration oi' mind ; he was irritable, snapped at tliose who
approached him, foamed at the mouth, but did not refuse
the small quantities of broth, milk, and other liquids
which were occasionally offered him.
" Dissection. — The carcass was lean, but on opening
the abdomen, the omentum, intestines, and other viscera
were loaded with fot. The liver was of a dark dull red
colour congested with blood, the gall bladder distended
with greenish bile, the stomach and intestines were dis-
coloured with viscid yellow bile, some of which was con-
tained in the stomach.
"The kidneys were free from disease, and the urinary
bladder was full of urine.
*' Thorax or chest — no preternatural adhesions or
symptoms of inflanniiation of the pleura costalis existed.
The lungs were highly inflamed and of a dark brown co-
lour, i-endered heavy and solid by the effusion of coagu-
lable lymph. On cutting into their substance numerous
drops of white purulent matter escaped from the bronchise,
and on a careful examination they were found completely
full and choaked up with matter.
" The trachea Avas inflamed, and contained a good deal
of pus of the same nature.
*' The heart and large blood vessels adjoining were
distended with dark, black, coagulated blood ; the sub-
stance of the heart itself was much inflamed ; and a small
quantity of serum was observed in the cavities of the
pleura and pericardium.
" A young fox-hound having died of the Distemper, I
proceeded to ascertain the causes of his death and com-
menced with an examination of the nervous system. For
d3
62 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Appearances of the Distemper
this purpose a considerable portion of the cranium was
removed, by first sawing through the frontal sinuses
transversely, and continuing the instrument laterally and
downwards through the occipital bone : the bony pro-
cesses peculiar to carnivorous animals, which assist in
forming the falx major, were taken away, and the brain
fairly exposed to view.
" The frontal sinuses were filled with a thin, white
fluid, resembling pus, which flowed out freely from the
opening made by the saw.
" The dura mater was perfectly healthy.
"The veins of the pia mater covering the left hemi-
sphere of the cerebrum were more dilated with blood
than those on the opposite side. The substance of the
brain was firm, and bore no appearance of disease ; nor
was there any iilteration in the structvu-e of the ventricles.
The origins of all the nerves were clear and distinct.
The olfactory pair were extremely large, and looked
more like processes of brain than nerves. The pineal
gland was present in the form of a small pellucid speck,
and was seen in its usual situation at the posterior ex-
tremity of the third ventricle.
" The cerebellum, the pons varolii, and the medulla
obl^gata were healthy ; on dividing the latter, a little
serum was found in the base of the cranium, and on hold-
ing the dog up by the hind legs about two drachms more
issued from the sheath of the spinal marrow.
"The lateral and cavernous sinuses were filled with
dark purple blood.
" Examiiiation of the Spinal Marroiv. — An incision
being carried from the occipital bone down to the sa-
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 63
on Dissection.
crum, the muscles were dissected back on each side ; and
by several applications of the saw, the medulla was laid
bare throughout its whole length. The spinal marrow,
narrow at its origin, gradually increased in size as it des-
cended to the joints. The dura mater was very firm, thin,
and rather opaque. It could easily be separated from
the medulla, which was of a beautiful white colour, con-
sisting of two columns, each again divisible into several
others ; so that there was no appearance of disease to be
discovered in the spinal marrow or its membranes ; but
as the vertebral veins were traced up the spinal canal,
they became turgid and more full of blood, and when
they had reached the middle of the cervical vertebra they
were greatly distended, and must by their pressure on
the spinal marrow have influenced its fiuictions.
" Having now completed the dissection of the brain
and spine, the thorax and abdomen became the subjects
of inquiry.
" The trachea was very large, and contained a puru-
lent fluid ; its mucous coat was inflamed and corrugated.
" The lungs presented a very peculiar appearance, es-
pecially the left, a large portion of which was converted
into a substance of a yellowish brown, covered with dark
black spots, and divided from the remaining healthy part,
which was of a florid red colour, by a complete and dis-
tinct line of separation.
" The discoloured lobes, on being cut into, were solid,
and evidently impervious to the admission of air. The
bronchial tubes were full of the same thick white pus
noticed in my former dissection, and which exuded in
large drops.
64 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
" The right hmg was entirely changed into a dark
brown mass. The internal jugular and subclavian veins
together with the venae cavae, were distended with blood.
The heart was enlarged, and the pericardium drawn
tight over ii. The left auricle and ventricle contained
blood, but the right auricle and ventricle were literally
gorged to their utmost extent with dark grumous coagu-
lated blood. There were no marks of preternatural
adhesions or inflammation of the pleura costalis, nor was
there more than one ounce of serum within its cavity.
"'Abdomen. — There was a good deal of viscid yellow-
ish bile in the stomach ; its villous coat was inflamed and
corrugated.
" The liver was of a dark red colour congested with
blood.
" The gall bladder was full of a greenish bile.
^* The urinary bladder contained a straw coloured
urine.
" The kidneys, omentum, and peritoneum, were in a
healthy state ; but the intestines seemed to have sufl^er-
ed from the acrimony of the bile.
" Remarks. — From the preceding dissections it must
be evident that the Distemper is an inflammatory disor-
der, more particularly affecting the mucous coats of the
bronchial tubes, and that the great congestions of blood
found in the heart and other vital organs must arise from
the obstruction it meets with in its passage through the
lungs. The particular time at which the disorganisation
commences must depend on the violence of the symp-
toms ; and it does appear that the disease can be divided
into three natural stages :—
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 65
the Distemper.
" 1st. The stage offerer and general excitement.
" 2nd. The deposition of coagulable lymph into the
substance of the lungs : and
" 3rd. The effusion of matter into the bronchial tubes.
" In drawing this view of the complaint, the liver is not
to be overlooked ; and it would seem as if this organ was,
by a general irritability of the system, excited to a state
of unusual activity, and that thus, by the presence of an
increased and vitiated state of the bile, the stomach and
bowels were brought into a disordered condition, and
their villous coats inflamed.
" Upon the epidemic, contagious, or other causes pre-
disposing to the Distemper, it is not now my intention to
oifer any remarks ; but I shall proceed to the treatment
which appearances after death would indicate.
" It is necessary for me to add that I have no experi-
ence of its efficacy, nor do I pretend to say that it will be
successful. Indeed the object of this paper is rather to
induce those who may have daily opportunities of be-
coming acquainted with the complaint, by observing its
causes, symptoms, and progress, to form an idea of its
nature ; and lastly, by the operation of remedies and
frequent dissections, to arrive at some certain conclusions.
" Treatment. — At the commencement of the symptoms,
or during the first stage of excitement, the dog should
be bled freely, according to his age and strength. After
wliich an emetic of tartarised antimony or ipecacuanha
should l)e administered, and its operation promoted by
mild bland fluids ; moderate doses of calomel, opium, and
antimony, should be given every three or four hours,
and the excess of bile removed by occasional doses of
6& HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Treatment of
castor oil. The dog should be immersed for twenty
minutes in a warm bath, rubbed dry, and placed in clean
warm straw ; the temperature of his apartment should
be moderately warm, taking great care to exclude the
cold air, which must necessarily irritate the lungs. —
Having continued this plan for forty-eight hours, a mix-
ture, consisting of nitre, fox-glove, and ipecacuanha,
should be given three or four times a day until the urgent
symptoms have subsided. Stimulants should never be
given but when the animal appears much exhausted, and
after the preceding measures have been adopted : a little
white wine might then be put into the gruel, which
should constitute his food from the primary attack.
When recovering, little more than bread-and-milk or
nourishing broths will be necessary.
'* It occasionally happens that the irritability of the
stomach is such that no medicines can be retained. In-
jections in these cases havebeen attended with beneficial
effects ; and therefore a solution of starch with laudanum
should be thrown up several times in the course of twenty-
four hours : a blister also should be applied to the region
of the stomach.
"With regard to the treatment of the second and
third stages, when the first has been violent and neglect-
ed, very little can be expected from medicine. Bleeding
would be highly injurious; and calomel, opium, and
antimony, combined with expectorants, would most pro-
bably offer the greatest prospect of success. Strength
should be carefidly supported by a nutritious diet, but
all strong cordials ought to be avoided.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 67
the Di6temi>er.
" Although it is hkely the fever accompanying the
distemper has a pecuhar character, I am decidedly of
opinion that there is no specific remedy against this com-
plaint : and it is better to point out the indications of
cure, than to enumerate a long list of medicines with
their respective doses, the selection of which must depend
on the circumstances of each individual case.
Richard Williams, Surgeon."
Aberystwith, June 10, 1825."
I am not aware of any other remedies worth notice,
though a great number might be added, if we could give
credit to the stories retailed by dealers in dogs, as well
as gamekeepers and huntsmen. Much will be foimd to
depend on good nursing, and particularly to prevent the
animal from taking cold. — From what I have witnessed
of Blaine's medicine, I should not recommend it.
It is very advisable to inoculate for the distemper. If
you can nleet with a dog already afflicted, take a little
mucous from his nose, and insert it up the nostrils of
your whelp, after having prepared him by a dose or two
of syrup of buckthorn ; if the animal does not take the
disease, repeat the operation. By inoculating for the
distemper, the disease will be as much less severe, as the
inoculated small pox compared to what is called the
natural mode of taking it.
A dog rarely, if ever, has the distemper twice ; nor
does it often attack him after he has attained the age of
two years ; but frequently makes its appearance before
the animal has reached his twelfth month. A notion be-
68 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
The Cow Pock.
came prevalent a few years back, that by inoculating a
dog with the cow pock, the distemper would be pre-
vented.
The Coiv Pock. — Dr. Jenner has asserted that by
inoculating dogs for the cow pock, a " disease similar to
that which is called the dog's distemper is produced, but
in a very slight degree. What is most remarkable, (adds
Dr. Jenner) this inoculation renders them afterwards
unsusceptible of that affection." Dr. Jenner is certainly
no mean authority : but, having tried the experiment a
number of times, from what I have witnessed, I can as-
sert, that unless much more than ordinary pains are taken
in the operation, no disease whatever will be produced ;
and when at length, pustules have been raised, they have
not been attended with symptoms any way resembling
what is called the distemper.
The catalogue of dog diseases is extended in some
publications to a puzzling length, where the various rami-
fications or different stages of each disease receive a new
name, in direct violation of that clearness and perspicuity
so preferable, indeed so essentially requisite, in a state-
ment of cases, many of which are frequently doubtful
even to the skilful and experienced. Young dogs are
very subject to worms, and appearances thus produced
are too often mistaken for other disorders, receive various
appellations, and are treated in the most injudicious
manner. I have been informed that the following will
cure the distemper ; but I have never tried it ; and am
rather sceptical as to the fact : —
One clove of garlic given every or every other day, or accord-
ing to the violence of the disorder.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 69
Worms,
Worms. — Dogs, like liuinan beings, are subject to
worm diseases of various kinds. A disorder, generally
distinguished by the appellation of lank madness, is pro-
duced by short thick worms, which occasionally breed in
the animal's stomach and intestines. This, and what is
denominated sleeping madness, appear to be merely two
names for the same disease. When a hound is thus
afflicted, he will become lean, though he will feed vora-
ciously ; as the disorder increases, his appetite in a great
degree forsakes him ; his eyes appear dull and drowsy,
and he will manifest an almost continual inclination for
slumber, without being able, however, to sleep soundly —
Take of calomel, six grains
common soap, two scruples
made into two bolusses, one of which to be given at
night, and tlie other the following morning : after two
days, the same to be repeated, and in four days more,
give the following :
Extract of coloquintida, two scruples
made into three bolusses, and one given every morning ;
on the fourth morning, give the animal a table spoonful
of syrup of buckthorn. If the worms should not be
entirely destroyed, in a little time repeat the course.
Hounds are often troubled with large worms, which,
without medicine, are occasionally voided singly or in
clusters. Their existence may be known by the dog's
voracity and leanness. The best remedy is the preced-
ing, though the following may probably answer the
purpose :
Calomel, three grains
jalap, twenty grains
golden sulphur of antimony, four grains
70 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
mixed up with butter or lard into one dose. Three of
these doses to be given — one every other morning.
A table spoonful or two of linseed oil, given the first
thing in a morning, will frequently bring away a quantity
of worms : but it can never be depended on as an effec-
tual remedy, for the following reason : — upon the linseed
oil being swallowed, those worms with which it comes in
contact, that are not fastened on the intestines, but loose
as it were, in expectation of food, will be brought away ;
but such as are fast to the intestines (and many will
be found so situated) stick like leeches, and thus prevent
the effects of the oil. There is nothing so effectual as
calomel. Calomel administered externally, in tolerable
plenty, upon the human subject, will destroy Avorms in
the stomach. — If the worms are situated near the anus,
the calomel may be so completely absorbed, when taken
inwardly, as to lose its effect before it reaches that part ;
some tobacco smoke blown up the anus (which may
be easily done by inserting the thin end of a pipe) will
most completely destroy these noxious vermin, and they
will be voided, most likely, in prodigious numbers.
The remark which was made on the last article would
equally apply in this place, respecting the numerous
remedies prescribed for the same disease. What are
mentioned throughout are such as will be found to answer
the purpose ; and to give a number of doubtful and inef-
fectual recipes, for the sake of making a long list, or
giving a false air of importance to the subject, would be
as perplexing to the reader as it would be contemptible
and even dishonest, in the writer.
However, for worms, generally speaking, the following
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 71
Convulsions or Fits.
may be regarded as a sovereign remedy, and there are
few cases which it will not effectually cure — take
Linseed oil, half a pint
oil of turpentine, two drachms*
repeat the dose, if necessary.
Convulsions or Fits. — Complaints of this nature are
sometimes caused by an accumulation of worms in the
stomach, which in the first stage create giddiness, and
end in violent convulsive paroxysms. When the com-
plaint is to be attributed to worms, the animal will have
an itching at the nose and fundament, and will sneeze
frequently. In this case, the best treatment is what has
been already prescribed for worms. When convulsions
proceed from other causes, which may be generally
known by a wild appearance in the animal's eyes, frothing
at the mouth, when labouring under the most violent
paroxysm of convulsion, the dog may be recovered by
being thrown into the water, perhaps a bucket of water
thrown over him might answer the purpose : but this is
merely a temporary relief ; and to eradicate the disease,
recourse must be had to something more effectual. In
the first place, the animal should lose a few ounces of
blood ( from three to six ounces, according to his size and
strength) when the following should be administered : —
Jalap, one scruple
cream of tartar, half a dram
water, one ounce
mixed ; half taken the morning after the dog has been
bled ; the other half in two hours after, well shaken : —
* I am supposing for a full-grown dog.
72 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Megrim.
a rowel should afterwards be put in the neck, and kept
open for a considerable time : the following should then
be given : —
Peruvian bark, half an ounce
water, half a pint
boiled for a few minutes and strained ; then add, sweet
spirit of nitre, one dram : a table spoonful to be given
every two hours, the animal afterwards to be kept on a
mild nourishing diet.
Wlien convulsions arise from indigestion, the following
has generally been found efficacious : — from two to eight
grains of tartar emetic (according to the age and size of
the dog) and in tAvo days after, give the following : —
Calomel, six grains
Barbadoes aloes, half a dram
Divide into six doses, and administer one every, or per-
haps every other, morning, as you may judge the patient
can bear it ; when you may give tonics, as recommended
under the head Distetnper.
What is called the megrim or giddiness in the head is
a species of fit, and may be removed by bleeding. The
same disease is, by some, &ex\ovi\\naiedi falling madness,
(a ridiculous name certainly) from, I suppose, the animal
occasionally falling from giddiness. When thus afflicted,
the dog will frequently rub his feet against the sides of
his mouth, and appear as if he had a bone in his throat.
Any of these symptoms will give way to the treatment
just described : and where the disorder is not very vio-
lent, it may generally be removed by bleeding ; which,
as it has formed a principal feature for the last few pages.
HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Bleeding.
it may not be amiss to say a word or two on the best mode
of performing the operation under a distinct head.
Bleed'mg. — In speaking on this subject, I am not sup-
posing that the huntsman is a member of the medical
profession in any of its branches, but sufficiently skilled
in anatomy to know a vein from an artery, which is all
the knowledge requisite for performing the operation of
bleeding a dog. A vein* may be distinguished from an
artery by its having no pulsation ; if an artery of any
consequence should be divided, the blood will flow in
irregular gushes, it will be difficult to stop, and may cause
the death of the dog. However, there is little danger
of such an unpleasant circumstance happening, and an
ordinary degree of attention is quite sufficient to obviate
it. The most convenient, and the best place to bleed a
dog, is to open a vein (the jugular vein) longitudinally, in
the side of the neck, round which a cord should be first
tied ; and if the huntsman is not expert at handling a
lancet, he may purchase a fleam at any of the shops
where surgical instruments are sold, which, by means of
springs, is so contrived that the greatest bungler need
be under no apprehension. Those who sell this instru-
ment will describe the method of using it, which indeed
is so obvious at first view as to render elucidation super-
fluous in this place.
If, after the vein is opened, the animal should not
bleed freely, pressure a little below the orifice will cause
the blood to flow. When sufficient Ijlood has been
* An artery brings the blood from the heart ; a vein carries back the
blood to the heart.
74 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Cold and Cough — Formica.
taken, (eight ounces, if a strong dog) the bleeding will
generally subside ; should this not be the case, a little
fur from a hat will stop it ; or, the lips of the orifice may
be drawn together with a needle and thread.
The vein should be opened longitudinally, as I have
already observed ; as, if opened in a transverse direction,
it may be difficult to stop the bleeding, owing to the cir-
cimfistance of the incision opening every time the dog
holds down or stretches out his head.
Caustic or hot iron will stop bleeding, even when an
artery is divided ; or it may be sewn up.
Cold and Cough. — A cough arises from an irritation
of the lungs, and may be produced by a cold or other-
wise ; it is generally the effect of cold, and may be re-
moved by
Antimonial powder, five grains
calomel, four grains
made with honey into two bolusses, and given in the
evening for two nights successively.
If a hound should be afflicted with a cough, in the first
place, examine his throat, in order to ascertain if any'
pieces of bone are lodged there, as such a circumstance
will cause a dog to cough for weeks. If the cough arises
from cold, administer a dose* or two of syrup of buck-
thorn. Should the cough still continue, give tartar
emetic as described under the head Distemj^er.
Formica, Scab in the Ears. — A little mercurial oint-
ment rubbed upon the affected parts every two or three
days, will very soon effect a cure.
* A table spoonful is a dose for a common sized hound.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 75
Canker, Swellings, ."ic.
Canker i.>. the hips. — Rub the aifected parts with
alum-water two or three times a day :
Or, rub with bole ammoniac and burnt alum two or
three times a day.
Swellings in general. — See Liflammation, page 78.
Films in the Eye. — Bathe the affected part twice a
day with water in which a little vitriol has been dissolved,
(the size of a large horse bean to a pint of spring water)
and in a minute or two wash it in clear water.
Or bathe with the following lotion twice a day : —
Sulphate of copper, one scruple
water, four ounces
Sprains. — Sprains are painful swellings of the liga-
ments and tendons of the joints, and are caused by too
great exertion of the limbs, of which the tendons become
relaxed. They should be well rubbed with the following
twice a day : — -
Camphor, two drams
brandy, one ounce
when the camphor is well dissolved, add one ounce of
sweet oil, and shake them well together. Should this
not have the desired effect, try the following : —
Spirit of hartshorn, two drams
sweet oil, six drams
well shaken, and applied as the other. Give a spoonful
or two of syrup of buckthorn.
N. B. As sprains are attended with inflammation,*
this should be got rid of in the first place by fomenting
* See also the article " Inflammation," page 78.
e2
76 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
with warm water four or five times a day, and the fol-
lowing lotion applied : —
Extiact of lead, two ounces
water, one pint
Should any stiffness remain after the inflammation has
totally subsided, apply a blister.
IVoimds, and to stop an Effusion of Blood. — The fol-
lowing will be found very effective in wounds :
Spirit of sal ammoniac, opodeldoc, sweet nitre, equal parts
wine, half quantity
spirit of turpentine, half quantity
If an artery is wounded, it may be known (as before
observed) by the blood gushing out (not flowing regu-
larly) and assuming a florid appearance. If a vein is
wounded, the blood will be darker coloured and flow
regularly.
Wounds may be divided into two classes — incised^ or
those cut with a sharp instrument ; and contused, or
those inflicted with any thing blunt or heavy.
Slight wounds require little or no attention ; but sup-
posing a serious incised wound, the first operation should
be cutting, or rather shaving, the hair from around the
wound, when, if the blood continues to flow, it should
be stopped by filling the wound with bits of sponge or
dry lint ; if the wound be in the dog's limbs, a bandage
tied very tight just above it will materially assist in stop-
ping the flow of blood, should not the sponge or lint be
found sufficient. The edges or lips of the wound should
afterwards be stitched, or drawn close together with ad-
hesive plaister cut into shps long enough to extend three
or four inches on each sNJde— the number of slips must of
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 77
Contused Wounds.
course be regulated by the size of the wound : plenty of
lint or soft rag should be laid on, over which a roller or
bandage must be applied to confine the dressing, which
should not be removed for four or five days. The wound
should afterwards be dressed with Turners cerate spa-
ringly spread on rag, and the bandage as before, and
great caution used not to remove the adhesive plaister
till the third or fourth dressing. A table spoonful of
syrup of buckthorn may be occasionally given to keep
the animal's bowels open : and he must be muzzled or
otherwise so secured as to prevent his tearing away or
disturbing the bandage.
Contused wounds are more painful than incised ; always
swohi, ragged, and not attended with much hcemorrhage
or flow of blood : no attempt should be made to bring
the edges together, but a cold poultice apphed, made
with oatmeal and the followmg lotion :
Goulard's extract of lead, one dram
vinegar, two ounces
water, one pint
the poultice should extend over the swelled parts sur-
rounding the wound, and be renewed three or four times
during the day. When the wound begins to suppurate
or discharge, unaccompanied with blood, the cold poul-
tice should be changed for a warm one, consisting of
oatmeal and water in which there is a httle grease, and
renewed three times a day as warm as the dog can bear
it. In a few days the matter will be completely dis-
charged, when the wound should be dressed daily with
yellow basilicon spread on rag, and a long roller applied
tightly over.
e3
78 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Inflammation.
N. B. Whenever fungus or proud flesh appears, it
should be touched with blue stone.
Inflammation.— In^s^mmdiiion arises from various
causes ; but is distinguished by the part affected be-
coming swoln, dry, and hot. A shght degree of inflam-
mation will generally subside without the aid either of
medicine or external apphcation. Bleeding in the neck
will frequently remove an inflammation ; or the applica-
tion of leeches to the aflfected part, having previously
shaved the hair off. If the swelhng or tumour becomes
larger, soft, and shining, matter is forming, when warm
poultices should be applied as described under contused
wounds, and the same treatment adopted. When the
matter is completely formed (which may be known by
the fluctuation of the fluid upon a shght pressure) if the
skin is very thin, a deep opening or incision should be
made with a lancet on the prominent part ; but if hard-
ness is felt the tumour must remain till it breaks itself.—
After the tumour is emptied, care should be taken that
the air does not penetrate, or the wound will be much
more difficult to heal.
When a hound's eyes become inflamed, and assume a
red and fiery appearance, bleeding will generally reheve
him.
Dogs, however, are not very subject to inflammation ;
and, generally speaking, will be troubled with few dis-
eases if properly dieted and exercised. Dogs kept in
towns are much more subject to disorders, than such as
are kept in the country. Confinement is always injurious
to health.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 79
Sore Feet, &c.
For the bite of another Dog. — See the article Wounds,
&c. page 76.
Sore Feet. — Styptic tincture ; or, if this cannot be
procured, salt and water.
For extracting Thorns. — Thorns may be generally
extracted with the thumb and fore-finger nails ; or re-
course may be had to the assistance of the pen-knife in
the same way as the sportsman would extract a thorn
from his own finger. The dog will frequently perform
the operation with his mouth. If the wound festers, the
thorn may be squeezed out.
To bring Hair upon a scalded part. — Fresh hog's lard
rubbed frequently upon the affected part, will reproduce
hair ; indeed, I am inclined to think that animal fat in
general will have the desired effect. Fresh goose grease
or the fat of fowls, unmixed with salt, will answer the
purpose equally well. Vegetable oils are of too dry a
nature, and their effects, as applied to the growth of
hair, pernicious. Yet there are not wanting quacks who
daily advertise the sale of oil for the growth of hair on
the human head ; and by way of the strongest possible
recommendation, specifically state, that it is extracted
from vegetables ! This is lamentable ; but it is still more
so, that such numbers of the unthinking become the
dupes of these ignorant pretenders, whose existence is a
stigma on the liberality of the public.
To destroy Fleas, Lice, ^'-c.
Take of white arsenic, one dram
water, one gallon
soft soap, one quarter of a pound
boil for ten minutes ; then take it off the fire and let it
80 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
stand to settle, then pour it ofFinto another vessel, leaving
about half a pint at the bottom, which throw away, and
dress with the water. — a certain remedy.
Linseed oil, or Scotch snufF, rubbed well all over the
body is a temporary remedy. A good washing with
common soap and water will perhaps answer the purpose.
In hot weather, hounds are much troubled with fleas ;
and if the huntsman is anxious for their comfort, he will
find it necessaiy to use the above several times during
the summer. Clean beds and cleanliness in general act
as preventives.
To recover the Sense of Smell. — When a hound's ol-
factory organs become affected, it will frequently be
found to arise from colds, costiveness, or other causes,
which a dose or two of opening physic seldom fails to re-
move. A little sulphvu' or syrup of buckthorn will have
the desired effect.
For Hounds that have taJcen Poison. — For all vege-
table poisons, vinegar has been supposed to be a specific.
At all events, whether vegetable or mineral poison has
been swallowed, the sooner it is discharged from the
stomach, the better.
Take of sulphate of copper, half a drachm
water, six ounces
Give two table spoonfuls every five minutes until effect-
ual vomiting has taken place ; when a strong dose of
' castor oil should be administered, followed by nourishing
diet.
Whatever will cause instantaneous vomiting may have
the desired effect. If a hound has swallowed poison?
and no better remedy happen to be at hand, almost any
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 81
Vegetable Poisons.
kind of oil (rancid or otherwise) poured down the throat
is advisable. The poison will most likely be either nox
vomica, arsenic, or corrosive sublimate ; however, let the
poison be what it will, the best remedy is the following :
Ipecacuanha, fifteen grains
water, two table spoonfuls, mixed
Should it not operate in fifteen minutes, repeat the
dose. After the operation
Take of prepared kali, three drains
water, one ounce
give a table spoonful every fifteen minutes, which will
most likely produce vomiting and purging. Afterwards
nourishing diet.
*' Antidote for Vegetable Poisons. — M. Drapiez has
ascertained, by numerous experiments, that the fruit of
the fcM'illea cordifoha is a powerful antidote against vege-
table poisons. He poisoned dogs with rhus toxicoden-
dron, hemlock, and nox vomica. All those that were
left to the effects of the poison died, but those to whom
the fruit of the fewillea cordifolia was administered, re-
covered completely, after a short illness. M. Drapiez
also took two arrows which had been dipt in the juice of
manchinelle, and slightly wounded with them two young
cats. To the one of these he applied a poultice, com-
posed of the fruit of the fewillea cordifolia, while the
other was left without any ^pphcation. The wound of
the former speedily healed ; while the other, in a short
time, fell into convulsions, and died."
It is very difficult however to save the life of a dog
that has taken poison. Nox vomica is what the base
82 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
The Mange.
minded generally use for the purpose. If recourse can
be had to the process before described the moment the
animal has swallowed the baneful drug, I should have no
doubt of success ; but if only a few minutes elapse, the
cure is extremely doubtful. I have witnessed several
instances, in all of which the animals died, though every
exertion was used for their preservation.
Sickness, or a Foul Stomach. — A foul stomach pro-
ceeds from indigestion ; therefore eight or ten grains of
tartar emetic may be very beneficially given, followed^
in a day or two, by a purge of syrup of buckthorn.
A dog never perspires ; but whenever he is unwell, his
eyes very strongly exhibit the change, are a certain index
of the state of his health, and assume a languid, a dull,
or a fiery appearance, according to the natvire of the dis-
order with which he is afflicted. The powers of diges-
tion in a dog do not appear to be promoted by exercise.
If you take a dog into the field to hunt with a full stomach,
he will throw up the contents of it in a few minutes, or
at least in a short period. If you suffer him to sleep after
a hearty meal, the digestion is rapid and healthy.
The Common Mange. — This disorder is very infectious,
and originally proceeds from dirty beds, bad food, and
filth in general. It has a loathsome, scabby, dirty ap-
pearance, somewhat similar to the itch in human beings ;
and, like that disease, contains animalcula in each of the
pustules. It may be cured with the following : —
Oil of tar
sulphur vivura
train oil, of each an equal quantity
with which the dog should be well rubbed several times,
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 83
jrrj jfi^jfif i r i fr » -r . ^r i i -rr » -rrrrr «i ** i T i ' i 'r i 'r-" i I .^^j^a^Aaaii ■»■■ ■■»■■■■» ■»*i
The Mange.
a day or two elapsing between each rubbing. Sulphur
given internally will be of service.
Another : —
Flowers of sulphur, half an ounce
hog's lard or butter, one ounce
well mixed and rubbed completely over the animal twice
a day, giving a tea spoonful of the flowers of sulphur
every evening in a little molasses. Keep the animal
confined alone, and the moment the cure is effected, give
him a clean bed. — As the disease is very infectious,
without great care, all your dogs will become disordered.
Mercurial ointment rubbed on the parts affected will
remove this disease ; but it is rather a dangerous re-
medy, and will kill a weak animal, if not carefully ad-
ministered : — muzzle the dog.
An infusion of fox-glove leaves, I have reason to
believe, will answer the purpose : it is the cleanest re-
medy ; and though I have not had sufficient experience
to pronounce its infallibility, I have no hesitation in re-
commending it : — put a handful of fox-glove leaves into
a quart or three-pint jug, pour boiling water upon them ;
and, when cold, rub the dog every day for three or four
days. The dog need not be muzzled — as soon as dressed
he will attempt to hck, but will not take a second taste.
The following I have seen successfully used : —
Sulphur, two ounces
mercurial ointment, two drams
hog's lard, four ounces
well mixed : with which rub the dog every other day —
three or four dressings will generally be sufficient. Two
drams of aloes, mixed up with the above, will not injure
84 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
The Red Mange.
the composition, [and will probably prevent the animal
licking himself — otherwise, muzzle him.
The Red Mange. — The disorder called the red
MANGE does not appear to be nearly allied to what is so
well known by the common appellation of mange, but to
be a species of disease within itself, seated in the skin,
and not always infectious amongst dogs lying together,
but almost invariably communicated by a bitch to her
litter of whelps, particularly if she had it vipon her during
the time she was in pup. This disorder is most malig-
nant in its effect ; the incessant and severe itching, which,
from all observation, seems accompanied by a burning
heat, and this too increased by the perpetual biting and
scratching of the tortured animal, give such parts of
the frame as are severely affected, the appearance of
having been scalded by some boiling liquor, with a con-
sequent loss of hair. It is this distinct kind of mange
that so constantly baffles dog-doctors and dog-mongers
of every description, and reduces them to their ne plus
ultra, where the fertility of invention can go no further.
It is, perhaps, the most deceptive disorder to which any
part of the animal world can become unluckily subject ;
for when it has (seemingly and repeatedly) submitted to,
and been subdued by, some of the combinations of com-
bustibles before described, it has as suddenly, as repeat-
edly, and as unexpectedly, made its re-appearance with
all its former virulence. Great care, nice attention, and
long experience, have discovered one or two modes of
perfect eradication. Let half an ounce of corrosive sub-
limate be reduced in a glass mortar to an impalpable
powder ; to this, by a very small quantity at a time, add
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 85
The Red Mange.
two ounces (lialf a gill) of spirits of wine ; and, lastly,
one pint of rain or river water, and, with a sponge dipt
in the solution, let every part palpably affected be well
washed, every third day, till thrice performed ; then
leave three clear days, and repeat the former ceremony
of thrice as before ; letting three mercurial purging halls
be given at the equal distances of three or four days,
and not the least doubt of cure need be entertained, if
the mode prescribed is properly and judiciously attended
to.
Of the red mange General Hanger thus speaks : —
" My dog had the mange ; not very bad, but something
much worse with it ; he had eight or ten large blotches
on his body, as big as large hazel nuts. I sent for an old
man who made a livelihood by curing dogs : he took a
bottle out of his pocket, and first dabbed the blotches
with a bit of tow, each two or three times. He then
stopped about five minutes, for that to dry in and pene-
trate ; after which he took a pot of ointment, and rubbed
the dog in well, for at least ten minutes, under the fore
legs, and on the belly, but particularly on the hack hone.
He then desired me not to wash the dog, or let him go
into the water ; telling me, he would call in about five
days. When he called, the dog was apparently well ;
so much so, that he said he did not think it necessary to
rub the dog again : however, I made him dab the blotches
again, and rub once more in. — When he called to be
paid, I told him that, upon my honour, if he would dis-
cover how the liquid and ointment were made, I would
give him two guineas, and never discover it till after his
death. He consented. The liquid is thus made : — Half
86 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
an ounce of quicksilver is put into a bottle, with half an
ounce of oil of turpentine, for about eight hours before
using it : shake the bottle frequently, and shake it always
when you use it, for there will be a sediment at the bot-
tom. The ointment is thus made : — Take half an ounce
of quicksilver ; put it into a bottle with half an ounce of
oil of turpentine ; let it stand for eight hours, shaking
the bottle frequently ; then take four ounces of hog's
lard, and by degrees, mix both together, a little of each
at a time, till the whole be incorporated. — He told me
that he always carried two pots of ointment with him,
one stronger than the other, in case of a dog being vei-y
bad with the mange. The strongest ointment was made
with ofili/ three ounces of hog's lard, but with the same
quantity of the quicksilver and turpentine."
The following is an effectual cure :
Train oil, one ounce
black sulphur, one ounce
liquid blister, half an ounce
to be rubbed on the dog every other day.
For the Bite of the Adder, 8^c. — The adder is not un-
common in some parts of England, and is occasionally
met with, in the heat of summer, among sedges, and in
marshy places. It differs from the snake in not being so
long, the latter being found from three-quarters to a yard
long ; the former seldom, or never, reaching three-
quarters of a yard ; there is an appearance of malignity
in the countenance of the adder, which does not obtain in
that of the snake, the head of which is not so blunt as that
of the adder ; while the tail of the latter tapers more
abruptly, and it is generally found of a more dusky colour.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 87
and Remedy.
There is, however, another very essential difference : —
the snake is destitute of teeth ; while the adder is not only
prepared in this respect, but has one particular tooth, in
the side of the jaw, which has a communication with a
sort of alembic, situated in the reptile's head, and which
contains the venom : in this tooth, there is a slit ; and
when the creature becomes irritated and bites, the pi'es-
sure thus occasioned upon the tooth, causes the venom
to ooze through the slit, and it is thus injected into the
blood.
I have heard of a reptile, called the slow worm, the
bite of which is said to be venomous ; but I never saw
one. The snake is perfectly harmless ; the bite of the
adder or viper will be attended with serious consequences
if a remedy is not speedily applied. The remedy, how-
ever, is simple — the immediate application of sweet oil
rubbed upon the affected part, counteracts the effects
of the venom most surprisingly : as I have witnessed it,
I speak with confidence. Indeed, I am of opinion, that
any vegetable oil (or animal either, perhaps) will answer
the purpose ; and have little doubt, that what will cure
the bite of the adder will cure that of the slow worm also.
Yet, for a further illustration of this subject, I will bor-
row the account of a favourite author. I am aware that
the same account has already appeared in various pub-
lications ; but, from a conviction that much good may
result from its becoming generally known, I shall tran-
scribe it without hesitation : —
" One William Oliver, a viper catcher, of Bath, was
the first who discovered this admirable remedy. On the
first of June, 1735, in the presence of a great number
88 HUNTING DIRECTORY
of persons, he suffered himself to be bit by an old black
viper ( brought by one of the company) upon the wrist
and joint of the thumb, so that drops of blood came out
of the wound : he immediately felt a violent pain both at
the top of his thumb and up his arm, even before the
viper was loosened from his hand : soon after he felt a
pain, resembling that of burning, trickle up his arm ; in
a few minutes, his eyes began to look red and fiery, and
to water much ; in less than an hour, he perceived the
venom seize his heart, with a pricking pain, which was
attended with faintness, shortness of breath, and cold
sweats ; in a few minutes after this, his belly began to
swell, with great gripings and pains in his back, which
were attended with vomitings and purgings ; during the
violence of these symptoms, his sight was gone for several
minutes, but he could hear all the while. He said, that
in former experiments he had never deferred making use
of his remedy longer than he perceived the effects of
the venom reaching his heart ; but this time, being wil-
ling to satisfy the company thoroughly, and trusting to
the speedy effects of his remedy, which was nothing more
than olive oil, he forbore to apply anything, till he found
himself exceedingly ill and quite giddy. About an hour
and a quarter after the first of his being bit, a chaffing
dish of glowing charcoal was brought in, and his naked
arm held over it as long as he could bear, while his wife
rubbed in the oil with her hand, turning his arm continu-
ally round, as if she would have roasted it over the coals :
he said the poison soon abated, but the swelling did not
diminish much. Most violent purgings and vomitings
soon ensued ; and his pulse became so low, and so often
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 89
and Remedy. — Burns and Scalds.
interrupted, that it was thought proper to order him a
repetition of cordial potions : he said he was not sensible
of any great relief from these ; but that a glass or two
of olive oil drank down, seemed to give him ease. Con-
tinuing in this dangerous condition, he was put to bed,
where his arm was again bathed over a pan of charcoal,
and rubbed with olive oil heated in a ladle over the
charcoal, by Dr. Mortimer's direction, who was the phy-
sician that drew up the account. From this last operation
he declared, that he found immediate ease, as though
by some charm ; he soon after fell into a profound sleep,
and after nine hours' sound rest, awaked, about six the
next morning, and found himself very well ; but, in the
afternoon, on drinking some rum and strong beer, so as
to be almost intoxicated, the swelling returned, with
much pain and cold sweats, which abated soon, on bathing
the arm, as before, and wrapping it up in brown paper
soaked in the oil."
Burns and Scalds assume a very different appearance,
according to the degree of heat or violence by which
they are occasioned ; if slight, and the skin only irri-
tated, they are easily cured by instantly dashing the part
affected in cold water, or constantly applying it till the
pain and irritation have ceased ; if slight blisters rise
they should not be opened at first, as is generally recom-
mended ; for if the air penetrates it frequently produces
an ulcer or sore. When a burn or scald is more severe,
it must be constantly kept wet with rag dipped in the
following lotion : —
Goulard's extract of leail, two drams
water, half a pint
V
90 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Hydrophobia.
and the part kept as quiet as possible. Strong spirits,
or oil of turpentine, is also serviceable when immediately
applied ; but the lotion is the most successful treatment
either in scalds or burns. After the third or fourth day
the blisters should be opened, but the skin not removed,
and then dressed with the following ointment :
Olive oil, half an ounce
Goulard's extract of lead, one ounce
well mixed together, and spread on lint or soft rag with
a bandage over moderately tight.
Wlien burns or scalds are so severe as to destroy the
flesh from the bone, warm poultices of oatmeal and water
should be apphed, and then treated as sujjpuration. —
See the article Wounds, &c. page 76.
The Hydrophobia. — This is a dreadful disease, and
has received a very appropriate name, as human beings,
but not dogs, when afflicted with this little understood
malady, uniformly testify an abhorrence of water, and, I
believe, of fluids in general, and even shining substances.
" When Sirius reigns, and the sun's parching beams
Bake the dry gaping surface, visit thou
Each ev'n and morn, with quick observant eye,
Thy panting pack. If, in dark sullen mood,
The glouting hound refuse his wonted meal.
Retiring to some close, obscure retreat,
Gloomy, disconsolate ; with speed remove
The poor infectious wretch, and in strong chains
Bind him suspected. Thus that dire disease
Which art can't cure, wise caution may prevent."
SOMERVILE.
The hydrophobia affords a striking instance of sue-
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 91
Urmskirk Medicine.
cessful quackery in the avidity with which the Ormskirk
Medicine was purchased, till within these few years that
the imposture has been exposed. This compound of
calcined oyster shells, elecampane, roach alum, and bole
ammoniac, was originally administered gratis ; but no
sooner was it discovered that the medicine was eagerly
sought after, than the sale of it was advertised ; agents
were appointed in different parts ; and many hundreds
purchased and took the medicine who had been bitten,
but not by mad dogs. A dog accustomed to the country,
is generally alarmed when he approaches a town or vil-
lage — the shaking of a cobler's apron, or some such
thing, is frequently resorted to by the lower orders — the
terrified animal takes to his heels, and will most likely
snap at any person who attempts to impede his progress.
Nothing is heard but the cry of mad dog ! and many who
have been bitten under such circumstances, have called
in the assistance of the Ormskirk medicine, and have
thus been willing to suppose a disorder prevented, which
did not exist in the dog, and which, of course, could not
be communicated.
The venders of the Ormskirk medicine, however,
made the most of the matter — its infallibihty Wiis23njfed
upon the public in the most barefaced manner ; and it
was even publicly stated, that such Avas the virtue of the
medicine, that even after the hydrophobia had made its
appearance, the disease could be removed by takhig it.
Cases, with fictitious names, were stated, and the grossest
falsehoods resorted to, in order to levy contributions
with more plausibility upon the credulity of the unthink-
ing. I believe, at present, no person who wishes to
p o
92 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Orraskirk Medicine.
preserve even an appearance of character, will attempt
to palm the medicine upon the world ; but it has stiU its
supporters, and a number of old women, in various parts
of Lancashire, still practice the deception ; and shew
considerable dexterity in propping its falling reputatioUr
The recipe was obtained by the late Mr. Hill's father,
who resided near Oi-mskirk, from an itinerant tinker, in
the year 1704. The medicine is thus prepared : — take
one tea spoonful of prepared (calcined) oyster shells, one
knife point full of roach alum, as much elecampane, in
powder, and half a tea spoonful of bole ammoniac ; all
to be powdered finely, and given to the patient in the
morning fasting, in a little wine and water, or small beer :
at the same time the wound is to be dressed with a pre-
paration, varying from that just described, only in a
greater portion of roach alum.
Not one dog in twenty, reputed mad, is so in reality —
the cxire, or rather the prevention, therefore, is certain
in many instances ; and where it happens otherwise, and
the dog was labouring under the hydrophobia, the result
is most melancholy : but then it is immediately and un-
blushingly asserted, that the medicine had not operated
in a proper manner — it had not remained upon the
stomach, or been taken in sufficient quantity ; and thus
the cheat continues, though on a much more circum-
scribed scale.
The fact is, that the only certain remedy hitherto dis-
covered for this dreadful disease, is the application of
the knife : — the blood becomes infected by the saliva
from the dog's teeth ; and unless the bitten part can be
immediately cut out, death will most likely be the result,
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 93
Hydrophobia.
though the precise time will be very uncertain ; for so
capricious is this malady, that, after infection, it some-
times lies dormant, as it were, in the system for months,
sometimes for weeks ; while instances, I believe, are not
wanting, where it has appeared, in all its terrible symp-
toms^ in the course of a few days.
It is possible that a person might be bitten by a mad
dog, and yet escape the hydrophobia : if, in the act of
biting, the animal's teeth pass through a thick woollen
coat, or other garment, so that his teeth in passing
through are wiped dry, he might inflict a wound without
any of the infectious saliva or fluid reaching it.
Respecting the bite of a mad dog, Dr. Vandeburgh
very judiciously observes : — " not a moment should be
lost to destroy the poison from the wound (even if only
on supposition of the animal being mad) ; many reme-
dies are recommended, but should not be trusted to ;
the only effectual method is to destroy the foundation of
the poison, and give the following course of medicine : —
the part bitten must be entirely cut out with a sharp in-
strument, and the edges of the wound seared with a red-
hot iron, to prevent the smallest particle of poison re-
maining ; afterwards, warm poultices of oatmeal and
water to be applied as warm as the patient can possibly
bear, to produce a quick and copious discharge of matter
or suppuration. The following pills should be given :—
Calomel, one scruple
opium, half a scruple
well mixed and divided into ten pills of equal size, one
pill to be taken every four hours ; two drams of strong
ointment of quicksilver to be wellrubl)ed in on the thighs
94 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Symptoms of
and arms morning and evening, M'hich, with the medicine,
must be continued till the mouth becomes sore and spit-
ting is produced : when matter discharges from the
sore, it should also be dressed with strong ointment of
quicksilver thickly spread on lint and the poidtice con-
tinued over it : this treatment must be pursued for the
space of one month, then the wound healed with Tirr-
ners cerate spread on lint, but the mouth kept sore and
slight spitting prolonged for at least two months, as
hydrophobia has been known to make its appearance
five and six months after the bite of the animal : sea
bathing is strongly advised, but I would always recom-
mend the foregoing treatment in preference, a trial of
which should not be omitted, if the poison was destroyed
at first by cutting, neither if the bite has happened some
time, nor even when the following symptoms have taken
place : the part bitten becoming tender and inflamed,
uneasiness and stupidity, frightful dreams, convulsions,
eyes red and watery, pain all over the body, difficulty in
swallowing, great thirst, and when liquid is only brought
before the patient he appears choked, accompanied with
trembling and shivering over the whole body ; vomiting
bile frequently occurs, attended with great thirst and
fever : the last symptoms are raging and foaming at the
mouth, spitting at the bystanders, and strong convul-
sions, as if drawn double ; — no patient should be given
over till the last moment : the mercurial friction should
be tried, and the prescribed medicine given while he
exists, as there is hope of recovery by perseverance in
the foregoing method.
The patient should be kept on very low diet, and no
spirits or wine be used."
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 95
the Hydrophobia.
The following are the progressive symptoms of hy-
drophobia : when a dog becomes melancholy, droops
his head, forbears eating, seems to forget his former
habits, and as he runs snatches at every thing : if he
often looks upwards, and that his tail at its setting on
be rather erect, and the rest of it hanging down ; if his
eyes be red, his breath strong, his voice hoarse, and that
he drivels and foams at the mouth, you may be satisfied
of the approaches of hydrophobia ; and the only thing
that should be done is instantly to despatch him, how-
ever great a favourite he may be. If at this period he
should remain at liberty, he will certainly leave his home :
he goes as fast as he can ; and the mischief that may
happen, owing thus to a mad dog breaking away, and
running over an extent of country, is incalculable, as he
spares no living creature.
The following accurate description, from the pen of
Mr. Youatt, appeared in the Sporting Magazine, Sep-
tember, 1825 : — ■
*' The symptoms of rabies in the dog are the following,
and nearly in the order in which they usually appear : —
An earnest licking, or scratching or rubbing of some
particular part ; sullenness, and a disposition to hide
from observation ; considerable costiveness and occa-
sional vomiting ; an eager search for indigestible sub-
stances — as bits of thread, hair, straw, and dung ; an
occasional inclination to eat its own dung, and a general
propensity to lap its own urine. The two last are per-
fectly characteristic circumstances. The dog becomes
irritable ; quarrels with his companions ; eagerly hunts
and worries the cat ; mumbles tlie hand or foot of his
96 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Symptoms of
master, or perhaps suddenly bites it, and then crouches
and asks pardon. As the disease proceeds, the eyes
become red ; they have a pecuhar bright and fierce ex-
pression ; some degree of strabismus or squinting very
early appears ; not the protrusion of the membrana nic-
titans, or haw, over the eye, which, in distemper, often
gives the appearance of squinting, but an actual distor-
tion of the eyes ; the lid of one eye is evidently more
contracted than the other : twitchings occur round that
eye ; they gradually spread over that cheek, and finally
over the whole face. In the latter stages of the disease
that eye frequently assumes a dull green colour, and at
length becomes a mass of ulceration.
*' After the second day the dog usually begins to lose
a perfect control over the voluntary muscles. He
catches at his food with an eager snap, as if uncertain
whether he could seize it ; and he often fails in the
attempt. He either bolts his meat almost unchewed, or
in the attempt to chew it, suffers it to drop from his
mouth. This want of power over the muscles of the
jaw, tongue, and throat, increases, until the lower jaw
becomes dependent, the tongue protrudes from the
mouth, and is of a dark and almost black colour. The
animal is able, however, by a sudden convulsive effort to
close his jaws, and to inflict a severe bite.
*' The dog is in incessant action : he scrapes his bed
together, disposes it under him in various forms, shifts
his posture every instant — starts up, and eagerly gazes
at some real or imaginary object: a peculiar kind of de-
lirium comes on : he traces the fancied path of ^me
imaginary object floating around him : he fixes his gaze
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 97
the Hydrophobia.
intently on some spot in the wall or partition, and sud-
denly plunges and snaps at it ; his eyes then close, and
his head droops ; but the next moment he starts again
to renewed activity : he is in an instant recalled from this
delirium by the voice of his master, and listens attentively
to his commands ; but as soon as his master ceases to
address him, he relapses into his former mental wandering.
"His thirst is excessive (there is no hydrophobia in
the dog) and the power over the muscles concerned in
deglutition being impaired, he plunges his face into the
water, up to the very eyes, and assiduously, but ineffect-
ually, attempts to lap.*
** His desire to do mischief depends much on his pre-
vious disposition and habits. I have known it not to
proceed beyond an occasional snap, and then only when
purposely irritated ; but with the fighting dog the scene
is often terrific. He springs to the end of his chain —
he darts with ferocity at some object he conceives to be
within his reach — he dihgently tears to pieces every thing
about him ; the carpet or rug is sliaken with savage vio-
lence ; the door or partition is gnawed asunder ; and so
eager is he in this work of demolition, and so regardless
of bodily pain, that he not unfrequently breaks one or
all of his tushes. If he effects his escape he wanders
about, sometimes merely attacking those dogs which fall
* In those instauces of hydrophobia which have fallen under my notice,
1 have never observed the dog •' plunge his face into the water up to the
very eyes, and assiduously, but ineffectually, attempt to lap.'" On the
contrary, the animal has always been capable of lapping : however, in the
disease called Dumb Madness, I have noticed symptoms similar to the
above.
98 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Symptoms of
in his way, and at other times he diligently and perse-
veringly hunts out his prey : he overcomes every obstacle
to effect his purpose ; and, unless he has been detected
in his march of death, he returns in about four and
twenty hours, completely exhausted to the habitation of
his master.
" He frequently utters a short and peculiar howl,
which if once heard, can rarely be forgotten ; or if he
barks, it is a short, hoarse, inward sound, altogether
dissimilar from his usual tone.
"In the latter stages of the disease a viscid saliva
flows from his mouth, with which the surface of the water
that may. be placed before him is covered in a few min-
utes, and his breathing is attended with a harsh grating
sovmd, as if impeded by the accumulation of phlegm in
the respiratory passages.
" The loss of power over the voluntary muscles extends
after the third day through his whole frame, and is par-
ticularly evident in the loins : he staggers in his gait 5
there is an uncertainty in all his n.otions ; and he fre-
quently falls, not only when he attempts to walk, but
when he stands balancing himself as well as he can. On
the fourth or fifth day of the disease he dies, sometimes
in convulsions, but, more frequently, without a struggle.
" After death there will invariably be found more or
less inflammation of the mucous coat of the stomach ;
sometimes confined to the rugse, at other times in patches ;
generally with spots of extravasated blood, and occasion-
ally intense, and occupying the whole of that viscus.
The stomach will likewise contain some portion of indi-
gestible matter, (hair, straw, dung), and occasionally it
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 99
the Hydiophobia.
will be completely filled and distended by an incongruous
mass. The lungs will usually present appearances of
inflammation, more intense in one, and generally the left
lung, than in the other. Some particular points and
patches will be of a deep colour, while the neighbouring-
portions are unaftected. The sublinqual and parotid
glands will be invariably enlarged ; and there will also
be a certain portion of inflammation, sometimes intense,
and at other times assuming only a faint blush, on the
edge of the epiglottis, or on the rima glottidis, or in the
angle of the larynx at the back of it."
When the human species become unhappily the sub-
jects of this calamity, though in particular instances
some variation may be observed, yet the first symptoms
are generally the same ; these are a torpid disquietude
in the wound (or seat of injury), attended with slight in-
tervening itchings, ultimately amounting to pain, and
much resembling rheumatic affection. It continues to
extend itself to the surrounding parts ; and, at length,
from the extremities it expands its poisonous power to
the viscera ; the cicatrice, if there has been a wound,
begins to swell, inflammation hourly increases, till, at
length, a serous bloody iclior is discharged, and this
alone may be considered the primary and invariable prog-
nostic of certain hydrophobia. These leading symptoms
soon become progressively general, bearing with them
every appearance of confirmed rheumatism ; they are fluc-
tuating, quick, acute, and of the spasmodic, convulsive
kind ; they suddenly attack the patient, severely affect-
ing the head, neck, and principal joints ; a dull, drowsy
pain often seizes the head, neck, breast, abdomen, and
100 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Symptoms of
even vibrates along the back bone. The patient is
gloomy and inchned to soUtude, murmurs much, seems
lost in reflection, is forgetful, inattentive, and prone to
sleep ; at times agitating starts denote the mind to be
disordered ; by turns he is attentively watchful ; his
slumbers become disturbed, and suddenly awaking from
those, convulsive appearances soon follow.
A deafness is sometimes complained of, the eyes are
watery ; the aspect sorrowful ; the countenance pale, and
the face contracted ; sweat breaks out about the temples ;
an unusual flow of saliva, slimy and viscid, at length
comes on with a dryness of the fauces, a fovilness of the
tongue, and a disagreeable smell (or rather fetid effluvia)
from the breath. As the symptoms already recited in-
crease, the second stage advances : a fever commences,
which at first is mild, but makes with gigantic strides the
most rapid advances to extremity ; it is accompanied
with hourly increasing horrors, and all the alarming con-
comitants of mental derangement. Wakefulness becomes
perpetual ; violent periodical agitations ensue ; the mind
is evidently more and more disturbed ; a delirium follows,
at which critical moment an invincible aversion to fluid,
glass, or any polished or shining body is plainly per-
ceived. A constriction of the gullet takes place, and an
incredible difficulty of swallowing ensues ; liquids are
offered, and are attempted to be taken, but the disgust
and loathing become so predominant, that they are most
violently declined : and this symptomatic dread and
aversion so wonderfully increases, that, upon the very
appearance of any watery fluid, the greatest horror conies
on, and the most shocking muscular distortions ensue:
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 101
the Hydrophobia.
if the liquor is attempted to be forcibly pressed upon
them, the experiment is rejected by an instantaneous
succession of the most horrid gesticulations, and convul-
sive distortions, in which every ray of reason seems to be
absorbed. Upon a temporary cessation of so serious
and distressing a paroxysm, the poor unhappy patient
now murmurs, groans, and mourns most miserably ; loses,
by degrees, all knowledge of his dearest friends and
most familiar acquaintance : and their presenting them-
selves before him, is the very critical moment when all
of this description give proof of their desire to bite,
which, in the attempt, bears no ill affinity to the similar
snappings of a village cur.
Awful to relate, reason returns at intervals, and he
feelingly laments his own calamity, and deplores his own
incapacity. A consciousness of appi'oaching dissolu-
tion is perceptible even to himself, and he seems truly
resigned to the singularity of his fate. Severe pain and
consequent heat producing thirst, a desire to drink is
displayed, but nature shrinks from her office ; in vain
the patient raises his hand to touch the vessel, it almost
magically produces instant tremor — the hand recedes,
and the patient sinks into the most afflicting despon-
dency. Conscious, likewise, of his constantly increasing
inclination to bite, he, in his rational moments, makes
signals to warn his friends of the danger, and keep them-
selves at a distance. Towards the conclusion of this
dreadful and most melancholy scene, the fever and
parching thirst increase, the tongue becomes swelled and
protruded, foam issues from the mouth, strength fails,
cold sweats come on, the stricture upon the breast in-
102 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Treatment of
creases, as well as the other predommant symptoms,
until, in a long succession of convulsive struggles, all-
powerful death closes the scene.
The cause of the hydrophobia is utterly unknown ; and
its effects hitherto appear to have bafHed every remedy
which has been tried for its removal. Copious and re-
peated venesection was, a few years ago, announced to
the world as a cure for the hydrophobia, and instances
were given in order to confirm it : it is true, they came
in a questionable shape on account of the distance which
they had to travel, being chiefly from the East Indies :
however, the method just mentioned, has been tried in
this country and found unavailing.
The alis7na plantago was introduced as a remedy ;
but, on repeated trial, has proved ineffectual.
Another remedy has been introduced. This new
remedy comes from a distance ; but let us not reject it
merely on that score. The account has appeared in
several medical works, and was first published, it seems,
by Dr. Mailer, of Vienna, a scientific physician, now
resident at Paris. The German physician says, he re-
ceived the particulars from M. Marochetti, a Russian
surgeon, who informed him, that, during his residence
in the Ukraine, in the year 1813, he was called on to at-
tend fifteen persons who had been bit by a mad dog,
when some old men requested him to treat the unfortu-
nate people according to the directions of a neighbouring
peasant, who had acquired a great reputation for curing
the hydrophobia. M. Marochetti allowed the peasant
to dXi&w^ fourteen , reserving one to himself, a female of
sixteen, who was cauterized and treated in the usual way.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 103
the Hydrophobia.
and expired eight days after the attack. The peasant
gave to the fourteen persons placed under his care a
strong decoction of the tops of the flowers of the yellow
broom (a pound and a half a day). He examined twice
a day the under part of the tongue, where he had gener-
ally discovered little pimples, containing, as beheved, the
hydrophobic poison : these pimples really followed, and
were observed by Marochetti himself. As they formed,
the peasant opened them, and cauterized the parts with
a red hot needle ; after which, the patients gargled with
the decoction mentioned above. The result of this treat-
ment was, that the fourteen patients were cured, having
only drank the decoction for six weeks. Marochetti
then states, that, five years afterwards, he himself had
an opportuninity of giving this treatment another trial.
Twenty-six persons who had been bit by a mad dog,
were put under his care, viz. nine men, eleven women,
and six children : he ordered the decoction of the tops
of the flowers of yellow broom to be given them as soon
as possible ; and upon an attentive exammation of their
tongues, he discovered pimples on five men, three chil-
dren, and all the women. Those who were most wounded
Mere afflicted on the third day ; the others on the fifth,
seventh, or ninth. One of the women who had been
slightly bitten on the leg had no appearance till the
twenty-first day. The seven who wei*e free from pimples
took the decoction of broom for six weeks, with success.
M. Marochetti thinks that the hydrophobic poison, after
having remained in the wound, fixes itself under the
tongue, in the orifices of the ducts of the submaxillary
gland, which are situated on the sides of the fraenum.
104 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Dumb Madness.
The inflammation, of which the httle pimples are the
result, has a peculiar appearance. The time in which
these pimples appear, is generally between the third and
ninth day after the bite. If they are not opened before
twenty-four hours after their appearance, the venom is
absorbed and the patient is lost.
I shall be extremely anxious to hear of the success of
this mode of treatment nearer home ; for I must confess
I cannot place implicit confidence in the narrative.
Upon the disease, erroneously denominated Dumb
Madness, I will relate what fell under my own observa-
tion, and from which a tolerable idea of the disorder may
be formed : — In the month of May, 1823, a pointer
whelp was presented to me by a friend, which I knew
to be as well bred as any in the kingdom, and on that
account, I, of course, prized him more highly. The dog
was whelped on the 16th of April, of the same year ;
and as soon as I received him, a kennel was appropriated
for his use in the open air, well littered with wheat straw,
and kept clean. He had full liberty, and a clear stream
of water close at hand, to quench his thirst whenever he
thought proper. The dog, as might be expected, was
remarkably healthy ; and, at seven months old, had be-
come an amazingly fine animal : at this period, he expe-
rienced a slight attack of the distemper, which immedi-
ately gave way to bleeding and a dose of tartar emetic ;
and in three or four days he was restored to perfect
health. His colour was a perfect jet black ; he was:
larger than common, and altogether, the finest young
pointer I ever saw. On the 8th of January, (of the
following year,) I observed the dog keep his mouth
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 10a
Dumb Madness.
almost continually open, the inside of which appeared
darker coloured than usual, and somewhat swelled. I
immediately bled him copiously, which, however, pro-
duced no visible alteration ; on the contrary, the next
day all the symptoms had evidently increased, and I
observed that he was unable to swallow, though he made
many attempts both to eat and drink, particularly the
latter : but the water, or the milk, which, by putting his
nose into the vessel, he contrived to get into his movith,
uniformly run out again, and he appeared utterly unable
to pass it down his throat : he licked his fore-legs very
much, and seemed to have a trifling discharge of mucus,
or saliva : but all this time the dog appeared not only
perfectly sensible, but even in good spirits, and evidently
experienced but little pain. A sporting acquaintance,
who saw him, said the disease was what was distin-
guished by the appellation of dumb madness, which seems
to me altogether a ridiculous term ; and supposing this
tx> have been the disorder with which my dog was af-
fected, I can testify that the term is very improperly
applied, as the animal in question regularly barked on
the approach of a stranger, though in a different tone,
and with more difficulty than usual. However, I imme-
diately searched authorities for dumb madness, with a
view to ascertain the proper mode of treatment. In an
old writer, (the author of the " Gentleman's Recreation,")
I found it thus described: — "The dog that is troubled
with dumb madness will not feed, bvit holds his mouth
tvide open continually, putting his feet to his mouth fre-
quently, as if he had a bone in his throat." Now, though
my dog kept his jaws somewhat distended, his mouth
G
106 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Dumb Madness.
was not wide open, but only partially so, and that he was
able to shut it I can safely attest, as I saw him many
times close his jaws, though he never kept them more
than a second or two in that position ; further, the animal
frequently licked his fore-legs, but I never saw him raise
his feet, or otherwise use indications similar to those
adopted by a dog when he seems to have a bone in his
throat ; and therefore the cases did not appear to agree.
I had next recourse to the " Sportsman's Dictionary,
or Gentleman's Companion ;" the third edition of which
was published in 1783, which contained the following
observations; — "Dumb madness lies in the blood, and
causes the dog not to feed, but to hold his mouth always
wide open, frequently putting his feet to his mouth, as if
he had a bone in his throat."
To be brief — I perused every thing within my reach,
on the subject of dogs and their diseases, but without
gaining the least information ; and, as the disorder, at
least in the form in which it presented itself, was new to
me, I began to entertain fears for the life of my dog, and
the sequel will prove they were but too well founded. I
have already remarked, that I first perceived the disease
on the 8th of January, and the dog continued much in
the same way for four successive days, during which, all
his faculties appeared very little, if at all, impaired. He
would follow me into the field, and even hunt, frequently
attempting to drink, and, in order to accomplish that
desirable object, would thrust his nose into the water,
instead of attempting to lap ; but he never succeeded in
forcing any of the fluid down his throat : his sense of
smell was as perfect as ever; and, indeed, though he
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 107
Dumb Madness.
evidently became very lean, he might be said to be in
good spirits till the morning of the 13th, when I found
him very languid, his eye had lost its lustre, and death
was evidently fast approaching. He was perfectly sen-
sible, and whenever I approached and spoke to him, he
raised his heavy eyes, and by these, as well as by the
movement of his tail, appeared grateful for my attention.
Towards the evening he made a last effort to swallow
food, but was not able. On the following morning he
was stretched on his side, and had every appearance of
death, only that a breathing, at very long intervals,
proved that the vital spark was not absolutely extinct.
Some few hours afterwards he was perfectly lifeless ;
and I was resolved, if possible, to ascertain the cause of
his death. For this purpose I called in the assistance of
a skilful veterinary surgeon, and the animal was partly
dissected in my presence. On opening the body, it was
abundantly evident that the dog had been starved to
death ; or, in other words, had died for want of food.
The lungs, the liver, and, indeed, all those parts of the
animal organization were totally unaffected, and mani-
fested not the slightest symptom of disease ; the same
remark will equally apply to all parts of the throat, and
also to the brain ; and the only affection that could be
discovered, was in the salivary glands, which were tri-
flingly swelled. On the whole, I feel a perfect con-
viction, that the disorder of the dog was a glandular
affection, which, by rendering him incapable of swallow-
ing sustenance, caused his death.
Of the cure, should a similar case come under my
observation, I feel confident ; and I have been thus
108 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Dumb Madness.
minute for the information of spoi'tsmen in general, par-
ticularly as I have been informed, that the disorder which
I have attempted to describe, or something very much
resembling it, has carried off, within the last few years,
great numbers of valuable dogs, especially in Yorkshire.
Should a similar case occur with any of my dogs, I
should force food, (nourishing broth, for instance), down
the throat, with an instrument adapted for the purpose ;
and if I found it impossible to get it down, I would inject
it into the bowels, when a sufficient quantity would be
taken up by the absorbents, to sustain life till the dis-
ease of the glands abated. In the first place, I should
feel a disposition to bleed the afflicted animal, as this
would prevent any superabundant pressure of blood upon
the parts affected, which I might perhaps rub well with
mercurial ointment.
It is a lamentable fact, that so little attention has been
paid to the diseases of this invaluable animal, though no
creature which has yet been taken under human pro-
tection affords so good an opportunity for observation,
or is so much entitled to the assistance and kind offices
of its master. The dog vhas become a domestic of the
most familiar description, whose greatest delight is in
administering to the pleasures of the sportsman, or those
by whom his services are called into action ; his civiliza-
tion may be said to proceed in the precise ratio with that
of human nature, and he uniformly takes his tone from
the circumstance or the situation of his master. As he
has closely associated himself with man, therefore, he
has brought upon himself a train of diseases, resulting
from his artificial mode of life ; and from which, in a
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 109
Dumb Madness.
State of nature, there is little doubt, but he is altogether
exempt. In fact, living under the same roof, and in the
same manner, as his master, he seems to be afflicted
something in the same way ; and, upon close examina-
tion, it will be found, that many of his disorders bear a
strong resemblance to those in man, and would, I have
little doubt, give way to a somewhat similar treatment.
Thus circumstanced, it seems unaccountable that the
medical treatment of this faithful creature should have
been so neglected. Generally speaking, whenever a dog
is attacked with any disease, little trouble is taken in his
recovery ; food is offered him, and if he is able to eat it
and recovers, it is all right ; but it very frequently
happens, tliat the moment he exhibits symptoms of uidis-
position, he is suspected of hydrophobia, and, without
any attempts to alleviate his pains, he is placed in a situa-
tion of security, and either suffered to pine away, or is
prematurely despatched. This may not apply altogether
to sportsmen, perhaps ; though many of these, I have
not the least doubt, pay but httle attention to the matter.
In kennels of hounds, and other large dog establish-
ments, there is a certain method followed ; or, in other
words, there is a list of disorders which is supposed to be
understood by the huntsman, or the game-keeper, and,
in like manner, a regular list of antiquated applications
or medicines is placed, as it were, opposite the disorders :
now, if the medicines were positively applicable to the
diseases, is it likely that the latter are so understood, that
one is not frecjuently mistaken for another? Or, can it
be supposed, that the persons in question are sufficiently
skilled in the science of healing, so as to discern those
g3
no HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Dumb Madness.
turns or alterations by which the same disease assumes a
different form, and, accordingly, requires different treat-
ment? This is too much to expect. Huntsmen and
gamekeepers, also, are generally much attached to their
dogs, and seldom fail to show them considerable atten-
tion, when they are diseased ; and though I may have
met with some who possessed acute perception and sound
sense, yet, in order to acquire a thorough knowledge of
the subject on which I have been speaking, a superior
education seems indispensable, as well as much more
extensive practice than could possibly be afforded by
any one dog establishment in the kingdom : if extensive
practice be necessary to the physician and the surgeon,
why not to the dog-doctor also ? In any science or pro-
fession where success must depend very much upon the
practitioner's powers of perception, some degree of edu-
cation is not only indispensable, but superior abihties or
considerable genius also. It is not likely, that the requi-
site opportunities and qualifications will be found united
in many instances ; and, under such circumstances, I
would strongly advise sportsmen to pay as much atten-
tion to their diseased dogs as possible ; and whatever
reliance they may place upon their servants, it can do no
harm to watch the progress of the disorder themselves.
Many sportsmen of the old school, in their treatment
of the diseases of dogs, seem to have resorted to super-
stitious notions, and to have disregarded true philosophy
altogether ; so much so, indeed, that it is amusing to
read many of their ideas on the subject. It is possible,
however, that dog-diseases might formerly have existed,
which are unknown at the present day ; but a disease
HUNTING DIRECTORY. Ill
called the Yellows, that has sometimes appeared in ken-
nels of hounds, I never saw described in any publication,
either ancient or modern ; nor is it generally known even
among sportsmen, though, wherever it has appeared, its
effects have been very violent, and frequently attended
with fatal consequences.
The Yellows. — This would appear to be a disease
peculiar to the kennel, which makes its appearance in all
ages of the hound. In the first approaches of the yellows,
the animal loses his appetite, and of course appears dull.
On turning up his eye-lids, a yellow appearance presents
itself; the inside of his flanks exhibit a similar hue or
colour. Hence it would seem that the disorder is some-
thing of a bilious nature ; or, at least, it assumes a com-
plexion which would seem to warrant such a conjecture.
At all events, if it be not immediately checked, it will
end with the death of the dog. This disease, which is
not of an ancient date, made considerable havock in
many kennels, till at length, the following treatment was
found efficacious : — As soon as the dog is perceived to
be ill, four grains of calomel should be administered to
him, and he should be kept warm during their operation.
Then take
Rhubarb, one ouHce
aloes, half an ounce
Castile soap, half an ounce
(Ethiop's mineral, half an ounce
These should be mixed up with syrup of buckthorn,
and made into bolusses about the size of a nutmeg : one
of which should be given every morning for three suc-
cessive days, when one may be administered every other
112 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Lameness in the Shoulder.
morning, for a week or longer, if necessary. For this
method of treating the yellows, I am indebted to W.
Head, Sir Harry Mainwaring's huntsman ; which, he
informed me, he had found successful almost invariably.
Lameness in the Shoulder may also be regarded as a
disease of the kennel. This, as I have observed at page
30, seems to be produced by damp kennels ; and may be
prevented by the administration of warmth, though it
cannot always be cured when it has taken place ; yet I
am inclined to think that warmth is the best remedy, as
well as an absolute preventive.
CHAPTER V.
Of the Naming of Hounds. — A List of Names. — Of the
Feeder. — Of Boiling and Mixing the Meat, and the
proper Food for Hounds. — The Method and Time
of Feeding. — Of Bleedhig and Physicking Hounds.
— Of Entering Young Hounds. — Summer Hunting,
SfC. — Of Flogging Hounds. — Bedford's System.
Young hounds (says Beckford) are commonly named
when they are first put out to their walks, and sometimes
indeed ridiculously enough ; nor is it easy, where many
are bred, to find suitable and harmonious names for the
HUNTING DIRECTORY.
113
Naming of Hounds.
whole ; particularly as it is the cusitom to name all the
whelps of a litter with the same initial letter as the sire
or the dam. However, one exception at least exists to
thus naming young hounds when put out to walks : —
At Sandiway Head Inn, (kept by J. Whittle) near Dela-
mere Forest, a whelp is kept for Sir Harry Mainwaring,
which must uniformly receive the name of Bluecap.
The house, as I have already noticed, is known by the
name of Sandiway Head Inn ; it is also further distin-
guished by the sign of the celebrated hound, Bluecap,
whose performance at Newmarket has been stated in the
earlier part of this volume, and whose memory is par-
ticularly cherished here, from the circumstance of his
having formed one of the Cheshire pack, then under the
direction of Mr. Barry. In consequence of this parti-
ality on the part of honest James Whittle, the hound
kept by him has of course to undergo a second baptism
on being taken into the kennel.
A list of names for hoimds seems at first view a waste
of time ; yet to render the work as complete as possible,
it seems necessary.
NAMES OF HOUNDS.
A. dogs.
Antic
Artist
Active
Audible
Able
Anxious
Atlas
Actress
Actor
Arbiter
Atom
Affable
B. dogs
Adamant
Archer
Auditor
Agile
Bachelor
Adjutant
Ardent
Augur
Airy
Banger
Agent
Ardor
Awful
Amity
Baffler
Aider
Arrogant
Angry
Barbarous
Aimwell
Arsenic
A. bitches.
Animate
BcllmaH
Amorous
Artful
Accurate
Artifice
Bender
114
HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Names of Hounds.
Blaster
Busy
Constant
Crazy
Doubtful
Bluecap
Buxom
Contest
Credible
Doubtless
Blueman
Coroner
Credulous
Dreadful
Bluster
C. dogs.
Cottager
Croney
Dreadless
Boaster
Caitiff
Counsellor
Cruel
Dulcet
Boisterous
Capital
Countryman
Curious
Bonnyface
Captain
Courteous
E. dogs.
Bouncer
Captor
Coxcomb
D. dogs.
Eager
Bowler
Carol
Craftsman
Damper
Earnest
Bravo
Carver
Crasher
Danger
Effort
Brawler
Caster
Critic
Dangerous
Elegant
Brazen
Catcher
Critical
Dapper
Eminent
Brilliant
Catchpole
Crowner
Dapster
Envious
Brusher
Caviller
Cruiser
Darter
Envoy
Brutal
Cerberus
Crusty
Dasher
Errant
Burster
Bustler
Challenger
Champion
Cryer
Curfew
Dashwood
Daunter
Excellent
Charon
Currier
Dexterous
E. bitches.
B. bitches.
Chaser
Disputant
Easy
Baneful
Chaunter
C. bitches.
Downright
Echo
Bashful
Chieftain
Capable
Dragon
Ecstacy
Bawble
Chimcr
Captious
Dreadnought
Endless
Beauteous
Chirper
Careless
Driver
Energy
Beauty
Choleric
Carefel
Duster
Enmity
Beldam
Claimant
Carnage
Essay
Bellmaid
Clamorous
Caution
D. bitches.
Blameless
Clangor
Cautious
Dainty
F. degs.
Blithsome
Clasher
Charmer
Daphne
Factor
Blowzy
Climbank
Chauntress
Darling
Factious
Bluebell
Clinker
Cheerful
Dashaway
Fatal
Bluemaid
Bonny
Combat
Combatant
Cherriper
Circe
Dauntless
Delicate
Fearnought
Ferryman
Bonnybell
Comforter
Clarinet
Desperate
Fervent
Bonnylass
Boundless
Comrade
Comus
Clio
Comely
Destiny
Dian
Finder
Firebrand
Brevity
Brimstone
Conflict
Conqueror
Comical
Courtesy
Diligent
Docile
Flagrant
Flasher
Conquest
Crafty
Document
Fleecc'm
HUNTING DIRECTORY.
115
Names of Hounds.
Fleecer
Funnylass
Gladsome
Helen
Listener
FJinger
Furious
Governess
Heroine
Lounger
Flippant
Fury
Graceful
Hideous
Lucifer
Flourisher
Graceless
Honesty
Lunatic
Flyer
G.dogs.
Gracious
Hostile
Lunger
Foamer
Gainer
Grateful
I. dogs.
Lurker
Foiler
Gallant
Gravity
Jerker
Lusty
Foreman
Gal Hard
Guilesome
Jingler
Foremost
Galloper
Guilty
Impetus
L. bitches
Foresight
Gamboy
Jockey
Lacerate
Forester
Gamester
H. dogs.
Jolly
Laudable
Forward
Garrulous
Hannibal
Jolly-boy
Lavish
Fluminant
General
Harbinger
Jostler
Lavvless
Furrier
Genius
Hardiman
Jovial
Lenity
Gimcrack
Hardy
Jubal
Levity
F, bitches.
Giant
Harlequin
Judgment
Liberty
Faithful
Giancer
Harasser
Jumper
Lightning
Fairmaid
Glider
Havock
Lightsome
Fairplay
Glorious
Hazard
I. bitches.
Likely
Famous
Goblin
Headstrong
Jealousy
Lissome
Fanciful
Governor
Hearty
Industry
Litigate
Fashion
Grapler
Hector
Jollity
Lively
Favorite
Grasper
Heedful
Joyful
Lofty
Fearless
Griper
Hercules
Joyous
Lovely
Festive
Growler
Hero
Luckylass
Fickle
Grumbler
Highflyer
L. dogs.
Lunacy
Fidget
Guider
Hopeful
Laborer
Fireaway
Hotspur
Larum
M. dogs.
Firetail
G. bitches.
Humbler
Lasher
Manager
Flighty
Galley
Hurtful
Launcher
Manful
Flourish
Gambol
Leader
Marescha!
Flurry
Gamesome
H. bitches.
Leveller
Marksman
Forcible
Gayety
• Hasty
Liberal
Marplot
Fretful
Gayly
Handsome
Libertine
Martial
Friendly
Gaylass
Harlot
Lictor
Marvellous
Frisky
Ghastly
Harmony
Lifter
Matchem
Frolic
Giddy
Hazardous
Lightfoot
Maxim
Frolicsome
Gladness
Heedless
Linguist
Maximus
116
HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Kames of Hounds.
Meanwell
Modish
Perfect
Phrenzy
Rifler
Medler
Monody
Perilous
Placid
Rigid
Menacer
Music
Pertinent
Playful
Rigour
Mendall
Petulant
Pleasant
Ringwood
Mender
N. dogs.
Phoebus
Pliant
Rioter
Mentor
Nervous
Piercer
Positive
Risker
Mercury
Nestor
Pilgrim
Precious
RockvFOod
Morlin
Nettier
Pillager
Prettylass
Romper
Merry boy
Newsman
Pilot
Previous
Rouser
Merryman
Nimrod
Pincher
Priestess
Router
Messmate
Noble
Piper
Probity
Rover
Methodist
Nonsuch
Playful
Prudence
Rudesby
Mighty
Novel
Plodder
Ruffian
Militant
Noxious
Plunder
R. dogs.
Ruffler
Minikin
Politic
Racer
Ruler
Miscreant
N. bitches.
Potent
Rager
Rummager
Mittimus
Narrative
Prater
Rallywood
Rumbler
Monarch
Neatness
Prattler
Rambler
Rumour
Monitor
Needful
Premier
Ramper
Runner
Motley
Negative
President
Rampant
Rural
Mounter
Nicety
Presto
Rancour
Rusher
Mover
Nimble
Prevalent
Random
Rustic
Mungo
Noisy
Primate
Ranger
Musical
Notable
Principal
Ransack
R. bitches.
Mutinous
Notice
Prodigal
Rantaway
Racket
Mutterer
Notion
Prowler
Ranter
Rally
Myrmidon
Novelty
Prompter
Rapper
Ranlipole
Novice
Prophet
Rattler
Rapid
M. bitches.
Prosper
Ravager
Rapine
Madcap
P. dogs.
Prosperous
Ravenous
Rapture
Magic
Pagan
Pryer
Reacher
Rarity
Matchless
Pageant
Reasoner
Rashness
Melody
Paragon
P. bitches.
Rector
Rattle
Merrylass
Paramount
Passion
Regent
Reptile
Mindful
Partner
Pastime
Render
Resolute
Minion
Partyman
Patience
Resonant
Restless
Miriam
Pealer
Phoenix
Restive
Rhapsody
Mischief
Penetrant
Phrenetic
Reveler
Riddance
HUNTING DIRECTORY.
117
Names of Hounds.
Riot
Spanker
Songstress
Torrent
Thoughtful
Rival
Special
Specious
Torturer
Tidings
Roguish
Specimen
Speedy
Tosser
Toilsome
Ruin
Spinner
Spiteful
Touchstone
Tractable
Rummage
Splendor
Spitfire
Tracer
Tragedy
Ruthless
Splenetic
Sportful
Tragic
Trespass
Spoiler
Sportive
Trampler
Trifle
S. dogs.
Spokesman
Sportly
Transit
Trivial
Salient
Sportsman
Sprightly
Transport
Trollop
Sampler
Squabbler
Stately
Traveller
Troublesome
Sampion
Squeaker
Stoutness
Trimbush
Truelass
Sanction
Statesman
Strenuous
Trimmer
Truemaid
Sapient
Steady
Strumpet
Triumph
Tunable
Saucebox
Stickler
Surety
Trojan
Tuneful
Saunter
Stringer
Sybil
Trouncer
Scalper
Stormer
Symphony
Truant
V, do^s.
Scamper
Stranger
Trueboy
Vagabond
Schemer
Stripling
T. dogs.
Trueman
Vagrant
Scourer
Striver
Tackier
Trudger
Valiant
Scramble
Strivewell
Talisman
Trusty
Valid
Screamer
Stroker
Tamer
Tryal
Valorous
Screecher
Stroller
Tangent
Tryer
Valour
Scuffler
Struggler
Tartar
Tryweil
Vaulter
Searcher
Sturdy
Tatler
Tuner
Vaunter
Settler
Subtile
Taunter
Turbulent
Venture
Sharper
Succour
Teaser
Twanger
Venturer
Shifter
Suppler
Terror
Twig' em
Venturous
Signal
Surly
Thrasher
Tryant
Vermin
Singer
Swaggerer
Threatner
Vexer
Singwell
Sylvan
Thumper
Tattle
Victor
Skirmish
Thunderer
Telltale
Vigilant
Smoker
S. bitches.
Thwaekcr
Tempest
Vigorous
Social
Sanguine
Thwarter
Tentative
Vigour
Solomon
Sappho
Tickler
Termagant
Villager
Solon
Science
Tomboy
Terminate
Viper
' ongster
Scrupulous
Topmost
Terrible
Volant
Sonorous
Shrewdness
Topper
Testy
Voucher
Sounduell
Skilful
Torment
Thankful
118
HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Of the Feeder
V. bitches.
Vigilance
Warning
Workman
Watchful
Vanquish
Violent
Warrior
Worthy
Wasteful
Vehemence
Viperous
Warhoop
Wrangler
Welcome
Vehement
Virulent
Wayward
Wrestler
Welldone
Vengeance
Vitiate
Wellbred
Whimsey
Vengeful
Vivid
Whipster
W. bitches.
Whirligig
Venomous
Vixen
Whynot
Waggery
Wildfire
Venturesome
Vocal
Wildair
Waggish
Willing
Venus
Volatile
Wildman
Wagtail
Wishful
Verify
Voluble
Wilful
Wanton
Wonderful
Verity
Wisdom
Warfare
Worry
Vicious
W. dogs.
Woodman
Warlike
Wrathful
Victory
Wanderer
Worker
Waspish
Wreakful
Victrix
Warbler
Beckford says, and says truly, that a good feeder is
an essential part of the kennel establishment ; and he
further observes, " let him be young and active ; and
have the reputation, at least, of not disliking work : he
should be good tempered, for the sake of the animals
entrusted to his care ; and who, however they may be
treated by him, cannot complain." These are highly
commendable qualifications for the office of feeder ; but
we do not find them always exactly attended to ; for
instance, we do not find feeders always "young;" on the
contrary, the task occasionally, perhaps frequently, de-
volves upon men somewhat advanced in life, and who
are thus enabled to earn a livelihood, when it would be
difficult to obtain it in any other way. However, whether
the feeder be young or old, he should cheerfully and
punctually attend to the directions of the huntsman ; and
if the latter understands his business, the age of the
feeder will be, in all probability, of little consequence, so
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 119
and Feeding.
long as he is able to perform the requisite labour. Feed-
ing the hounds is an indispensable part of the business
of the kennel ; and if this be regarded as the primary
object, cleanhness must be considered as the next in im-
portance.
" O'er all let cleanliness preside, no scraps
Bestrew the pavement, and no half pick'd bones
To kindle fierce debate, or to disgust
That nicer sense, on which the sportsman's hope.
And all his future triumphs, must depend.
Soon as the growling pack, with eager joy,
Have lapp'd their smoking viands, morn and eve.
From the full cistern lead the ductile streams.
To wash thy court well pav'd, nor spare thy pains,
For much to health will cleanliness avail.
Seek'st thou for hounds to climb the rocky steep,
And brush th'entangled covert, whose nice scent
O'er greasy fallows, and frequented roads.
Can pick the dubious way, banish far off
Each noisome stench, let no offensive smell
Invade thy wide enclosure, but admit
The nitrous air, and purifying breeze."
SOMERVILE.
Boiling for the hounds, mixing the meat, and getting
it ready for them at proper hours, is the business of the
feeder, of course under the superintendance of the
huntsman ; and care should be taken not to let the
hounds have their meat too hot ; the thicker it is mixed,
perhaps, the better.
Oat-meal is generally used, and certainly makes the
best meat for hounds ; and oat-meal is best for the pur-
pose when it is two years old; barley has been tried,
but it does not mix up so well ; the proof, or essential
120 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Feeding.
principle of it, is also much inferior ; even when mixed*
with oat-meal it is not advisable food ; and it is, on the
whole, more expensive than oat-meal, tho' the first cost
may appear not so great. However, I have reason to
believe that the quality of the oat-meal is not always
sufficiently regarded ; and even the best of oat-meal is
very much improved by keeping for two years, as I have
already observed. I have known instances, where what
is called Bread Dust has been substituted for oat-meal ;
but it has not been found equal to the latter : — by Bread
Dust is meant the refuse of ship bread or biscuit, which
may be purchased in the large sea-port towns in almost
any quantity. Where horse flesh happens to be scarce,
cow heels, bellies, and sheep's trotters will make an ex-
cellent substitute.
In many kennels, they do not boil for the hounds in
summer, I believe ; but give them meal only : — I sliould
certainly prefer boiling : though the meat at this period
might be mixed up thinner, and be thus more conducive
to the health of the hounds. Indeed, in the hunting
season, when many of the hounds, after long rest, become
too fat, feeding them on thinner meat than the rest is
more advisable than stinting them in the quantity of it.
* On this subject, Beckford observes — " I have enquired of my feeder,
who is a very good one, how he mixes up his meat. He tells me that, in
his opinion, oat-meal and barley mixt, an equal quantity of each, make
the best meat for hounds. The oat-meal he boils for half an hour, and
then puts out the fire, puts the barley into the copper, and mixes both well
together. I asked him why he boiled one and not the other ? — he told
me, boiling, which made the oat-meal thick, made barley thin ; and that
when you feed with barley only, it should not be put into the copper, but
be scalded with the liquor and mixed up in a bucket."
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 121
The Duty of a Huntsmm.
It is the duty of the huntsman always to attend the feed-
ing of the hounds ; which shoukl be drafted according to
their condition ; that is, making due allowance for other
collateral circumstances — some hounds, like some horses,
will feed better than others — some will look better than
others — and some will be able to endure more fatigue
than others : these are matters with which a huntsman,
if he possess discernment, will soon become acquainted,
and will of course act accordingly: — this, however, is
what distinguishes a good kennel huntsman. Beckford
says, such as are low in flesh had better be drafted off
into a separate kennel ; by this means the hounds that
require ^e*/i will have an equal share of it. If any are
much poorer than the rest, they should be fed again —
such hounds cannot be fed too often. He continues, '' I
have been told that in one kennel* in particular, the
hounds are under such excellent management, that they
are constantly fed with the door of the feeding yard open ;
and the rough nature of the fox-hound is changed into
so much politeness, that he waits at the door till he is in-
vited in ; and what perhaps is not less extraordmary, he
comes out again, whether he has satisfied his hunger or
not, the moment he is desired — the effect of severe di;--
cipline. But since this is not absolutely necessary, and
hounds may be good without it ; and since I well know
your other amusements (he is writing to a friend) will
not permit you to attend to all this manoeuvring, I would
by no means wish you to give such power to your hunts-
• Alluding no doubt to the Quorndon, when undor the direction of
the late Hugo Meynell, Esq.
H
122 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
man. The business would be injudiciously done, and
most probably would not answer your expectations. The
hound would be tormented mal-a-propos ; — an animal so
little deserving of it from our hands, that I should be
sorry to disturb his hours of repose by unnecessary seve-
rity. You will perceive it is a nice affair ; and I assure
you I know no huntsman who is equal to it. The gen-
tleman, who has carried this matter to its utmost perfec-
tion, has attended to it regularly himself; has constantly
acted on fixed principles ; from which he has never
deviated, and I believe has succeeded to the very utmost
of his wishes."
In Beckford's time, the method above described was
in its infancy, and he speaks inconsiderately upon it ;
he derides a practise of the most essential utihty, (par-
ticularly in making hounds well acquainted with their
names) which in fact may be said to constitute the per-
fection of kennel discipline ; and which, in the field, has
the most beneficial influence, inasmuch as it renders the
hounds more obedient. The advantages of such a system
are evident at the first glance, and the practise has
become general throughout the kingdom : — hence the
drafting off lean hounds into a separate kennel may be
easily avoided, as well as several other rather antiquated
methods which the above able writer has taken the
trouble to describe.
" My hounds are generally fed (says Beckford) about
eleven o'clock ; and if I am present myself, I take the
same opportunity to make my draft for the next day's
hunting. I seldom, when I can help it, leave this to my
huntsman ; though it is necessary he should be present
when the draft is made, that he may know what hounds
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 123
Discipline.
he has out. If your hounds are low in flesh, and have
far to go to cover, they may all have a little thin lap
again in the evening ; but this should never be done if
you hunt early. Hounds, I think, should be sharp-set
before hunting ; they run the better for it.
*' I have heard that it is the custom in some kennels
to shut up the hounds for a couple of hours after they
come in from hunting, before they are fed ; and that
other hounds are shut up with them to lick them clean."
This is certainly "a custom more honoured in the breach
than the observance." It savours strongly of the old
school ; and has long been, I have reason to believe,
utterly abandoned. Surely, when hounds have under-
gone the fatigues of a day's hunting, having commenced
their operations too, fasting, nothing can be more reason-
able, or more consistent with the laws of nature, than
that they should fill their bellies immediately on their
return ; when they will not fail to retire comfortably to
rest. In the month of November or December, 1825, 1
visited the York and Ainsty fox-hounds. When in the
kennel, and talking with the huntsman (William Naylor)
he observed, that, on his return from hunting, he gene-
rally disturbed his hounds, half an hour perhaps after
having fed them, and walked them out, before he allowed
them to retire to rest for the night :^his motive for this
practise was in order to prevent lameness in the shoulder
(a disorder which has already been noticed) ; which he
thought arose from the hounds being suffered to repose
immediately after hard labour, from which stiffness en-
sued, and ulthnately lameness in the shoulder. There
may be something original in the idea ; but it is a mis-
11 2
124 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Physicking
taken notion : lameness in the shoulder unquestionably
arises from damp kennels. Some of his hounds, when
his kennel was newly erected, had been thus afflicted ;
and although it must have proceeded from the cause
already mentioned, yet I am not prepared to deny that
Naylor's method of walking out the hounds would not
render the effect of damp kennels less violent, and con-
sequently less injurious.
When hounds come in from hunting, they should be
carefully looked over, or examined ; and those that have
sustained any injury should be immediately attended to.
Beckford says, that " if you will permit those hounds
that are unable to work to run about your house, it will
be of great service to them. Of this there can be no
doubt, as hounds which are suffered to go at large, are
not nearly so liable to disease, as those kept in kennels —
it may in fact be justly observed, that liberty is highly
conducive to health. But it is not always convenient for
hounds to run about a house.
" Every Thursday during the hunting season (says
Beckford) my hounds have one pound of sulphur given
them in their meat ; and every Sunday throughout the
year they have plenty of greens boiled up with it." I am
seldom inclined to give physick to dogs in good health ;
yet, although I may entertain no very exalted notion of
Beckford's weekly administration of sulphur, I am per*-
fectly convinced that greens may be occasionally (per-
haps frequently) given to hounds with the most bene-
ficial effect.
The same writer further observes — " I am not fond of
bleeding hounds, unless I see they want it." Yet, I am
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 125
inclined to think that hounds will derive benefit from
bleeding much oftener than Beckford seems to suppose.
A dog is relieved by bleeding in many of the diseases to
which he is liable, and in none more than the distemper.
In the first place, it should be considered that the dog's
skin is not porous, that he never perspires ; and that
consequently oppressed nature is not relieved in him by
that general and copious evacuation, which is frequently
found so salutary in man, as well as in many animals : in
many of the casual illnesses of the dog (to say nothing
of his well known diseases) there seems to be a determi-
nation of blood towards the head ; or, at least, the animal
will appear dull and heavy about the eyes — in all cases
of this description, bleeding invariably relieves him.
" It has long been the custom in my kennel (continues
the same writer) to physick the hounds twice a year —
after they leave off hunting and before they begin. It
is given in hot weather, and at an idle time. It cools
their bodies, and without doubt is of service to them.
If a hound is in want of physick, I prefer giving it in balls."
I have already observed, that when a hound is in good
health, I should be seldom disposed to physick him ; and
I cannot help thinking that periodical physicking is quite
unnecessary. If a hovmd be perfectly well, what more
can be required ; and under such circumstances, gene-
rally speaking, to administer physick seems utterly un-
called for, if not altogether ridiculous. I differ from
Beckford also in his mode of administering medicine to
hounds : I prefer mixing it in their meat, to giving it
" in balls." His physick, he observes, was composed of
'* two pounds of sulphur, one pound of antimony, and a
h3
126 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Management of
pint and a half of syrup of buckthorn, for about forty
couple of hounds." I am induced to suppose syrup of
buckthorn alone will answer the purpose as well, if not
better, given in the proportion of a large table spoonful for
each hound. I have always thought, and still continue
to think, that the mode and manner of physicking hounds
partakes too much of parade and mystery, and that these
animals are sometimes (perhaps often) physicked, when
there is not the slightest occasion for such a process.
Of exercise, during summer, I would give them as much
as possible.
" A regular course of whey and vegetables during the
hot months must certainly be wholesome (says Beckford,
in which I perfectly agree.) Every Monday and Thurs-
day my hounds go for whey till the hunting season begins ;
are kept out several hovu-s, and are often made to swim
through rivers during the hot weather."
In writing to his friend, the same author observes,
" You little think, perhaps, how difficult it is to be a
good kennel huntsman, nor can you as yet know the
nicety that is required in feeding hounds properly. You
are not aware that some hounds will hunt best when fed
late ; others, when fed early : — that some should have
but little ; that others cannot have too much. I shall
only advise you, while you endeavour to keep your
hounds in good order, not to let them get too fat."
As soon as young hounds are reconciled to the kennel,
they should be put into couples and walked out with
their attendants on foot — if amongst sheep, so much the
better ; and indeed amongst deer also. If any of them
happen to be very stubborn and troublesome, it will be
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 127
Young Hounds.
advisable to couple them to old hounds rather than to
young ones. If the young hounds are particularly awk-
ward, they should be sent out by a few at a time. They
will thus soon become tractable and handy enough to
follow a horse.
When they have often been walked out in the manner
just described, and have become obedient, a few should
be uncoupled at a tune, and such as oft'er to run sheep
or any kind of riot, should be chastised. The less,
however, the whip is used the better ; and if they stop
at the word, the whip should not be applied. If they
have tasted mutton, it will be much more difficult to
reclaun them — indeed they are to be viewed with sus-
picion ever after : not that there is much danger to be
.apprehended when hounds have been taken into the ken-
nel, and have undergone a regular course of disciplme,
as they are afterwards under proper care, and have few
opportunities of committing depredations, however well
they may be inclined for it. But accidents sometimes
occur. " My hounds (says Beckford) were near being
spoiled by the accident of a horse's falling. The whip-
per-in was thrown from his horse. The horse ran away,
and the whole pack followed him. A flock of sheep,
which were at a little distance, took fright, began to run,
and the hounds pursued them. The most vicious set on
the rest, and several sheep were soon pulled down and
killed. " I have sometimes observed even old hounds to
cast a sort of a longing eye when passing a small lamb.
Wlien hounds are taken out for air or exercise, it is
perhaps advisable to couple the young ones, as they are
prone to mischief. To air and exercise young hounds
128 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Of Entering
in the covintry they are meant to begin to hunt, is an ad-
vantage: they acquire a knowledge of it; and if they
happen to be left behind, they will thus be enabled to
find their way home more easily.
" Summer hunting, though useful to young hounds, is
prejudicial to old ones : I think therefore (observes the
writer whom I have had frequent occasion to quote) you
will do well to reserve some of the best of your draft
hounds to enter your young ones with, selecting such as
are most likely to set them a good example. I need not
tell you they should not be skirters ; but, on the contrary,
should be fair hunting hounds, such as love a scent, and
that hunt closest on the line of it : — it will be necessary
that some of them should be good finders, and all must
be steady. Thus you procure for your young hounds the
best instructions, and at the same time prevent two evils,
which would necessarily ensue, were they taught by the
whole pack ; one, that of corrupting and getting into
scrapes, such as are not much wiser than themselves;
and the other, that of occasioning much flogging and
rating, which always shies and interrupts the hunting of
an old hound. An old hound is a sagacious animal, and
is not fond of trusting himself in the way of an enraged
whipper-in, who, as experience has taught him, can flog,
and can flog unjustly. By attending to this advice, you
will improve one part of your pack, without any injury
to the other ; whilst such as never separate their young
hounds from the old, are not likely to have any of them
steady."
The time of entering young hounds must depend upon
circumstances. The sooner they are entered the better
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 129
Young Hounds.
certainly ; but, in corn countries this business cannot be
conveniently commenced till the corn is cut; grass
countries are better adapted for the purpose (and indeed
for hunting altogether) ; and in woodlands cub hunting
may begin almost at any period.
I am no advocate for stooping young hounds to any
scent but the one which they are intended to hunt ;
perfectly convinced that they will thus, not only give less
trouble, but are more to be depended on afterwards.
" If, owing to scarcity of foxes, you should stoop your
hounds at hare, let them not have the blood of her at
least ; nor, for the sake of consistency, give them much
encouragement. Hare hunting has one advantage —
hounds are chiefly in open ground, where you can easily
command them ; but, notwithstanding that, if foxes arc
in tolerable plenty, keep them to their own game."
Trail scents are objectionable; as well as the method
piu'sued by sportsmen of the old school, such as di'ag-
ging a cat along the ground for a mile or two, turning
out a badger, &c. If a few foxes can be aftbrded for
the purpose, they are highly preferable to any thing else.
Young hounds should be first taken where there is least
riot, putting some of the steadiest old hounds amongst
them. If, in such a place, there fortunately happens to
be a litter of foxes, there will be but little trouble with
young hounds afterwards. Cub hunting should be com-
menced as early as possible in the morning ; as soon, in
fact, as objects can be clearly distinguished.
Frequent hallooing is of use to young hounds ; it keeps
them forward, prevents their being lost, and hinders
them from hunting after the rest. The oftener therefore
130 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Ot Chastising
a fox is seen and hallooed the better ; it serves to let
them in, makes them eager, induces them to exert them-
selves, as well as to become handy. The case, however,
is very different with old hounds, to whom much halloo-
ing is highly prejudicial — a fault, by the bye, into which
ignorant huntsmen generally fall. At the same tune it
may be justly observed that there is a time when hallooing
is of use ; a time when it is injurious ; and a time when
it is indifferent : practice and attention can alone teach
the correct application.
Young hounds, at their first entering, require encour-
agement. As soon as they have become handy, love a
scent, and begin to know what is right, it will be soon
enough to chastise them for doing ivrong : in which case,
let it be recollected, one severe flogging will save much
trouble afterwards. Whenever a hound is undergoing
castigation, the voice should accompany the stroke ; and
the whipper-in (whose duty it is to flog) should recollect
that the sound or smack of the whip will frequently an-
swer the purpose better than the lash, to a hound that
has already felt it. If any are very unsteady, it may be
advisable to take them out by themselves : a hare may
be found sitting, and be put off before them ; and thus
the most riotous may be reduced to obedience. Young
hounds should be frequently taken out amongst deer,
(as I have already observed) and they will sooner learn
to disregard them. When a cur dog is met with on the
road or other place, it may not be amiss for the hunts-
maxi to gallop after it, as it were, should not the hounds
attempt to run it Avithout that manoeuvre, and they will,
by these means, be thoroughly taught what to pursue,
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 131
and what to disregard altogether. Turning a cub out
before them, with some old steady hounds to lead them,
is an excellent method of rendering them steady to their
own game.
As soon as young hounds are become handy, stoop to
the scent, know a rate, and stop easily, they may be put
into the pack, a few at a time. The horn may be re-
garded as an indispensable appendage to a pack of fox-
hounds ; or at least, if not indispensable, it is very useful.
" Flogging hounds in kennel, the frequent px'actice of
most huntsmen, I hold in abhorrence ; it is unreasonable,
unjust, and cruel ; and, carried to the excess we some-
times see it, is a disgrace to humanity. Hounds that
are old offenders, that are very riotous, and at the same
time very cunning, may be difficvdt to catch — such
hounds may be excepted: — they deserve punishment
whenever it happens, and you should not fail to give it
them when you can. This, you will allow, is a particular
case, and necessity may excuse it ; but let not the peace
and quiet of your kennel be often thus disturbed. When
hounds offend, punish them : when caught in the fact,
then let them suffer ; and, if you are severe, at least be
just." Whatever might have been the practice of hunts-
men in the days of the writer (Beckford) from which 1
have quoted the above, I have reason to believe that
flogging hounds in the kennel for faults committed in the
field has been long since abandoned, except perhaps
where the whipper-in was not able to reach or secure the
culprit ; but, even in this case, the offending hound
should be pursued immediately, and the chastisement in-
flicted while the animal is conscious of the crime ; since.
1S2 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Of Chastising Hounds.
if he be allowed to continue out, and the punishment
delayed till the regular period of returning home, he
becomes ignorant for what it is inflicted ; and the correc-
tion, which, under other circumstances would have been
necessary and wholesome, is thus converted into cruelty,
and the purpose intended to be answered by its applica-
tion rendered completely abortive. When, however,
hounds are unruly or disobedient in the kennel, they
should of course be punished there ; and, in all cases, the
more quickly the chastisement follows the commission of
the crime, the better. But, in no case would I apply
the lash, where the smack of the whip, accompanied by
angry words, would answer the purpose. At the same
time, I am well aware, that flogging, and severe flogging
too, is frequently indispensable to the requisite discipline
and well-being of a pack of fox-hounds ; and the higher
these animals are bred, the more will they require the
application of the lash : this arises from the inferiority of
their olfactory organs, which disqualifies them from per-
ceiving the difference of scents with that discriminating
nicety which distinguishes the deep-flewed hound, and
they in consequence become more unsteady.
The management of hounds should be considered as
a regular system of education ; and "if you expect sa-
gacity in your hoimd when he is old, you must be mind-
ful what instruction he receives from you in his youth ;
for, as he is of all animals, the most docile, he is also
most liable to bad habits. A diversity of character, con-
stitution, and disposition is to be observed amongst
them ; which, to be made the most of, must be carefully
attended to, and treated differentlv,"
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 133
Time of Entering Young Hounds.
Beckford having detailed his own system consecutively,
I here insert it, stating in notes where I happen to differ
from him in opinion.
" I begin to hunt my young hounds in August. The
employment of my huntsman the preceding months, is
to keep his old hounds healthy and quiet, by giving them
proper exercise, and to get his young hounds forward.
They are called over often in the kennel ; it uses them
to their names,* to the huntsman, and to the whipper-in.
They are walked out often among sheep, hares, and deer ;
it uses them to a rate. Sometimes he turns down a catf
before them, which they hunt up to and kill ; and, when
the time of hunting approaches, he turns out badgersf
or young foxes, taking out some of the steadiest of his
old hounds to lead them on — this teaches them to hunt.
He draws small covers and furze brakes with them, to
use them to a halloo, and to teach them obedience. If
they find improper game, and hunt it, they are stopped
and brought back ; and as long as they will stop at a
rate, they are not chastised. Obedience is all that is
required of them, till they have been sufficiently taught
the game they are to hunt. An obstinate deviation from
it afterwards is never pardoned.
* This is an excellent plan ; upon which modern sportsmen have, liow-
tver, greatly improved ; since it has been carried to such perfection, that
the dogs separate from the bitches at a word, and vice versa. In some es-
tablishments, a pack is formed entirely of bitches; by which means no'
only these, but the other packs, become more sizeable, and have a more
pleasing appearance. Mr. OsbalJeston's bitch pack in 1825-6 presented
the most beautiful appearance I ever beheld.
f I have already expressed my disapproval of the above practises.
134 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Of the Hunting of
" When my young hounds are taken out to air, my
huntsman takes them into the country in which they are
to begin to hunt. It is attended with this advantage :
they acquire a knowledge of the country, and when left
behind at any time, cannot fail to find their way home
more easily.
"When they begin to hunt, they are first taken into
a large cover of my own, which has many ridings cut in
it ; and where young foxes are turned out every year for
them. Here it is they are taught the scent they are to
hunt, are encouraged to pursue it, and are stopped from
every other. Here they are blooded to fox. I must
also tell you, that as foxes are plentiful in this cover, the
principal earth is not stopped, and the foxes are checked
back, or some of them let in, as may best suit the purpose
of blooding. After they have been hunted a few days
in this manner, they are then sent to distant covers,
and more old hounds are added to them ; there they
continue hunting till they are taken into the pack, which
is seldom later than the beginning of September ; for by
that time they will have learned what is required of them,
and they seldom give much trouble afterwards. In Sep-
tember, I begin to hunt in earnest, and after the old
hounds have killed a few foxes, the young hounds are
put into the pack, two or three couple at a time, till all
have hunted. They are then divided ; and as I seldom
have occasion to take in more than nine or ten couple,
one half are taken out one day, the other half the next,
till all are steady.
" Two other methods of entering young hounds I have
practised occasionally, as the number of hounds has
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 135
Young Hounds.
required ; for instance, when that number is very con-
siderable, I make a large draft of my steadiest hounds,
Avhich are kept with the young hounds in a separate
kennel, and are hunted with them all the fore part of
the season. This, when the old hounds begin to hunt,
makes two distinct packs, and is always attended with
great trouble and inconvenience. Nothing hurts a pack
so much as to enter many young hounds, since it must
weaken it considerably by robbing it of those which are
the most steady ; and yet young hounds can do nothing
without their assistance. Such, therefore, as constantly
enter their young hounds in this manner, will, sometimes
at least, have two indifterent packs, instead of one good
one.
*' In the other method, the young hounds are well
awed from sheep, but never stooped to a scent, till they
are taken out with the pack ; they are then taken out
a few only at a time ; and if your pack is perfectly steady,
and well manned, may not give you much trouble. The
method I first mentioned, which is the one I most com-
monly practise, will be necessary when you have many
young hounds to enter ; when you have only a few, the
last will be most convenient. The other, which requires
two distinct packs, is on too extensive a plan to suit your
establishment, requiring more horses and hounds than
you intend to keep.
"Though I have mentioned, in a former letter, from
eight to twelve couple of young hounds, as a sufficient
number to keep up your pack to its present establish-
ment, yet it is always best to keep a few couple more
than you want, in reserve, in case of accidents : since,
136 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Of Blooding Young Hounds.
from the time you make your draft, to the time of hunt-
ing, is a long period ; and their existence at that age and
season very precarious : besides, when they are safe
from the distemper, they are not always safe from each
other; and a summer, I think, seldom passes without
some losses of that kind. At the same time I must tell
you, that I should decline the entering of more than are
necessary to keep up the pack, since a greater number
would only create useless trouble and vexation.
" You wish to know what number of old hounds you
should hunt with the young ones : — that must depend on
the strength of your pack, and the number which you
choose to spare ; if good and steady, ten or twelve couple
will be sufficient.
" The young hounds, and such old ones as are in-
tended to hunt along with them, should be kept in a
kennel by themselves, till the young hounds are hunted
with the pack. I need not, I am sure, enumerate the
many reasons that make this regulation necessary.
*■ I never trust my young hounds in the forest till they
have been well blooded to fox, and seldom put more than
a couple into the pack at a time. The others are walked
out amongst the deer, when the men exercise their
horses, and are severely chastised if they take any notice
of them. They also draw covers with them ; choosing
out such, where they can best see their hounds, and
most easily command them, and where there is the least
chance to find a fox. On these occasions I had rather
they should have to rate their hounds than to encourage
them. It requires less judgment ; and, if improperly
done, is less dangerous in its consequences. One halloo
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 137
Entering Young Fox-hounds.
of encouragement to a wrong scent, more than undoes
all that you have been doing.
" When young hounds begin to love a scent, it may be
of use to turn out a badger* before them ; you will then
be able to discover what improvement they have made ;
I mention a badger, on a supposition that young foxes
cannot so well be spared ; besides, the badger, being a
slower animal, he may easily be followed, and driven the
way you choose he should run.
*' The day you intend to turn out a fox, or badger,
you will do well to send them amongst hares or deer.
A little rating and flogging, before they are encouraged
to vermin, is of the greatest use, as it teaches them both
what they should, and what they should not, do ; I have
known a badger run several miles, if judiciously managed ;
for which purpose he should be turned out in a very
open country, and followed by a person who has more
sense than to ride on the line of him. If he does not
meet with any cover or hedge in his way, he will keep
on for several miles ; if he does, you will not be able to
get him any farther. — You should give him a great deal
of law, and you will do well to break his teeth.
" If you run any cubs to ground in an indifferent
country, and do not want blood, bring them home, and
they will be of use to your young hounds. Turn out
bag foxes to your young hounds, but never to your old
ones.
"The day after your hounds have had blood, is also
a proper tune to send them where there is riot, and to
* See note, page 133.
I
138 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Various Methods of
chastise them if they deserve it : it is always best to cor-
rect them when they cannot help knowing what they are
corrected for. When you send out your hounds for
this purpose, the later they go out, I think, the better ;
as the worse the scent is, the less incUnable will they be
to run it, and of course will give less trouble in stopping
them. It is a common practice with huntsmen to flog
their hounds most unmercifully in the kennel : I have al-
ready told you I like it not ; but if many of your hounds
are obstinately riotous, you may with less impropriety
put a live hare into the kennel to them, flogging them
as often as they approach her ; they will then have some
notion at least, for what they are beaten : but, let me
entreat you, before this chaviari begins, to draft off your
steady hounds : an animal to whom we owe so much
good diversion, should not be ill used unnecessarily. —
When a hare is put into the kennel, the huntsman and
both the whippers-in should be present, and the whip-
pers-in should flog every hound, calling him by his name,
and rating him as often as he is near the hare, and upon
this occasion they cannot cut them too hard, or rate them
too much ; when they think they have chastised them
enough, the hare should be taken away, the huntsman
should halloo off his hounds, and the whippers-in should
rate them to him. — If any one loves a hare more than
the rest, you may tie a dead one round his neck, flogging
him and rating him at the same time.
" I would advise you to hunt your large covers with
your young hounds ; it will tire them out ; a necessary
step towards making them steady; and will open the
cover against the time you begin to hunt in earnest, and
by disturbing the large covers early in the year, foxes
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 139
Entering Young Fox-hounds.
will be shy of them in the season, and shew you better
chases : besides, as they are not likely to break from
thence, you can do no hurt to the corn, and may begin
before it is cut.
" If your hounds are very riotous, and you are obliged
to stop them very often from hare, it will be advisable, I
think, to try on (however late it may be) till you find a
fox, as the giving them encouragement should, at such
a time, prevail over every other consideration.
" Such as are very riotous should have little rest ; you
should hunt them one day in large covers, where foxes
are in plenty ; the next day they should be walked out
amongst hares and deer, and stopped from riot ; the day
following be hunted again as before. Old hounds, that
I have had from other packs (particularly such as have
been entered at hare) I have sometimes found incorrigible ;
but I never yet knew a young hound so riotous, but, by
this management, he soon became steady.
"When hounds are rated and do not answer the rate,
they should be coupled up immediately, and be made to
know the whipper-in : in all probability this method will
save any farther trouble. These fellows sometimes flog
hounds most unmercifully, and some of them seem to
take pleasure in their cruelty.
"I have heard, that no fox-hounds will break off to deer,
after once a fox is found. — I cannot say the experience
I have liad of this diversion will any ways justify the re-
mark ; let me advise you therefore to seek a surer de-
pendance. Before you hunt your young hounds where
hares are in plenty, let them be awed, and stopped from
hare : before you hunt amongst deer, let them not only
i2
HO HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Importance of First Impressions.
see deer, but let them draw covers where deer are : for
you must not be surprised, if, after they are so far steady,
as not to run them in view, they should challenge on the
scent of them. Unless you take this method with your
young hounds, before you put them into the pack, you
will run a great risk of corrupting such as are steady,
and will lose the pleasure of hunting with steady hounds.
I have already said, that after my young hounds are taken
into the pack, I still take out but very few at a time,
when I hunt among deer. I also change them when I
take out others ; for the steadiness they may have ac-
quired could be but little depended on, were they to
meet with any encouragement to be riotous.
" I confess I think first impressions of more conse-
quence than they are in general thought to be : I not
only enter my young hounds to vermin on that account,
but I even use them, as early as I can, to the strongest
covers and thickest brakes, and I seldom find they are
ever shy of them afterwards. A friend of mine has as-
sured me, that he once entered a spaniel to snipes, and
the dog ever after was partial to them, preferring them
to every other bird.
^'Ifyouhavemarterns* within your reach, as all hounds
* Beckford seems, in some degree, to contradict himself; in the pre-
ceding paragraph, the instance of the spaniel and snipes seems at variance
with the advice which immediately follows for entering young hounds at
the martern. In his sixth letter he also observes ; — "You had better enter
them at their own game — it will save you much trouble afterwards. Many
(logs, I believe, like that scent best they were first blooded to; but be that
as it may, it is certainly most reasonable to use them to that which it is in-
tended they should hunt.'' — He also severely reprobates the practice of en-
tering young hounds at hare, as will be seen by the following pages.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 141
Summer Hunting.
are fond of their scent, you will do well to enter your
young hounds in covers which they frequent. The mar-
tern being a small animal, by running the thickest brakes
it can find, teaches hounds to run cover, and is therefore
of the greatest use. — I do not much approve of hunting
them with the old hounds ; they shew but little sport,
are continually climbing trees ; and as the cover they
run seldom fails to scratch and teai- hounds considerably,
I think you might be sorry to see your whole pack dis-
figured by it. The agility of this little animal is really
wonderful ; and though it falls frequently from a tree, in
the midst of a whole pack of hounds, all intent on catch-
ing it, there are but few instances, I believe, of a mar-
tern's being caught by them in that situation.
**In summer, hounds might hunt in an evening ; — I
know a pack, that, after having killed one fox in the
morning with the young hounds, killed another in the
evening with the old ones. Scent generally lies well at
the close of the day, yet there is a great objection to
luniting at that time ; animals are then more easily dis-
turbed, and you have a greater variety of scents than at
an earlier hour.
"Having given you all the information I can possibly
recollect with regard to my own management of young-
hounds, I shall now take notice of that part of your last
letter, where I am soi'ry to find that our opinions diftbr.
Obedience, you say, is every thing necessary in a hound,
and that it is of little consequence by what means it is
obtained. I cannot concur altogether in that opinion ;
for I think it very necessary, that the hound should at
the same time understand you. Obedience, under i)roper
1 3
H2 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Obedience indispensable
management, will be a necessary consequence of it.
Obedience, surely, is not all that is required of them :
they should be taught to distinguish of themselves right
from wrong, or I know not how they are to be managed ;
when, as it frequently happens, we cannot see what they
are at, and must take their words for it. A hound that
hears a voice which has often rated him, and that hears
the whip he has often ^elt, I know, will stop. — I also
know, he will commit the same fault again, if he has been
accustomed to be guilty of it.
" Obedience, you very rightly observe, is a necessary
quality in a hound, for he is useless without it. It is
therefore an excellent principle for a huntsman to set
out upon ; yet, good as it is, I think it may be carried too
far. I would not have him insist on too much, or tor-
ment his hounds, mal-a-propos, by exacting of them by
force what is not absolutely necessary to your diversion.
You say, he intends to enter your hounds at hare — is it
to teach them obedience? — Does he mean to encourage
vice in them, to correct it afterwards ? — I have heard,
indeed, that the way to make hounds steady from hare,
is to enter them at hare : that is, to encourage them to
hunt her. It requires more faith than I pretend to, to
believe so strange a paradox.
"It concerns me to be obliged to differ from you in
opinion ; but since it cannot now be helped, we will pur-
sue the subject, and examine it throughout ; permit me
then to ask you, what it is you propose from the entering
of your hounds at hare ? Two advantages, I shall pre-
sume, you expect from it ; — The teaching of your hounds
to hunt, and teaching them to be obedient. — However
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 143
in Fox-hounds.
necessary you may think these requisites in a hound, I
cannot but flatter myself they are to be acquired by less
exceptionable means. The method I have already men-
tioned to make hounds obedient, as it is practised in my
own kennel — that of calling them over often in the ken-
nel, to use them to their names, and walking them out
often amongst sheep, hares, and deer, from which they
are stopped to use them to a rate, in my opinion, would
answer your purpose better. The teaching your hounds
to hunt is by no means so necessary as you seem to ima-
gine. Nature will teach it them, nor need you give
yourself so much concern about it. Art only will be ne-
cessary to prevent them hunting what they ought not to
hunt — and do you really think your method a proper one
to accomplish it ?
" The first and most essential thing towards making
hounds obedient, I suppose, is to make them understand
you ; nor do I apprehend you will find any difficulty on
their parts, but such as may be occasioned on yours. —
The language we use to them, to convey our meaning
should never vary : — still less, should we alter the very
meaning of the terms we use. — Would it not be absurd
to encourage, when we mean to rate? and if we did,
could we expect to be obeyed ? — You will not deny this,
and yet you are guilty of no less an inconsistency, when
you encourage your hounds to run a scent to-day, which
you know, at the same time, you must be obliged to
break them from to-morrow : — is it not running counter
to justice and reason ?
" I confess there is some use in hunting young hounds,
where you can easily command them ; but even this you
144 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Impropriety of Entering
may pay too clearly for. Enter your hounds in small
covers, or in such large ones as have ridings cut in them ;
whippers-in can then get at them, can always see what
they are at, and I have no doubt that you may have a
pack of fox-hounds steady to fox by this means, without
adopting so preposterous a method as that of first making
hare-hunters of them. You will find, that hounds, thus
instructed what game they are to hunt, and what they
are not, will stop at a word ; because they will under-
stand you ; and after they have been treated in this
manner, a smack only of the whip, will spare you the
inhumanity of cutting your hounds in pieces (not very
justly) for faults which you yourself have encouraged
them to commit.
" I think, in your last letter, you seem very anxious to
get your young hounds well blooded to fox, at the same
time that you talk of entering them at hare. How am I
to reconcile such contradictions ? If the blood of fox is
of so much use, surely you cannot think the blood of a
hare a matter of indifference, unless you should be of
opinion that a fox is better eating. — Nature, I suppose,
never intended they should hunt sheep, yet we very well
know, when once they have killed sheep, that they have
no dislike to mutton afterwards.
"You have conceived an idea, perhaps, that a fox-
hound is designed by nature to hunt a fox. Yet, surely,
if that vi^as your opinion, you would never think of enter-
ing him at any other game. I cannot, however, think
nature designed the dog, which we call a fox-hound, to
hunt fox only, since we know he will also hunt other
animals. That a well-bred fox-hound may give a pre-
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 145
Young Fox-hounds at Hare.
ference to vermin, caeteris paribus, I will not dispute ; I
think it very possible he may ; but this I am certain of —
that every fox-hound will leave a bad scent of fox, for a
good one of either hare or deer, unless he has been made
steady from them ; and in this, I shall not fear to be con-
tradicted. But, as I do not wish to enter abstruse rea-
soning with you, or think it any ways material to our
present purpose, whether the dogs we call fox-hounds
w^ere originally designed by nature to hunt fox or not,
Ave will drop the subject. I must at the same time beg
leave to observe, that dogs are not the only animals in
which an extraordinary diversity of species has happen-
ed since the days of Adam. Yet a great naturalist tells
us, that man is nearer, by eight degrees, to Adam, than
is the dog to the first dog of his race ; since the age of
man is fourscore years, and that of a dog but ten. It
therefore follows, that if both should equally degenerate,
the alteration would be eight times more remarkable in
the dog than in the man.
" The two most necessary questions which result from
the foregoing premises, are — whether hounds entered at
hare are perfectly steady, afterwards, to fox ; — and
whether steadiness is not attainable by more reasonable
means. Having never hunted with gentlemen who fol-
low this practise, I must leave the first question for others
to determine ; but having always had my hounds steady,
I can myself answer the second."
CHAPTER VI.
Of the Huntsman and the Whippers-in, and their respec-
tive Duties.
It very often happens, that the laborious or working
classes of the community foolishly repine at the situation
in which Providence has placed them, and are dissatis-
fied with the means by which they obtain a livelihood ;
to this, however, the huntsman is an evident, indeed a
very striking, exception. A huntsman's life cannot be
otherwise than happy, since he is liberally paid for doing
that which gives him the greatest possible gratification.*
Beckford observes that a huntsman " should be young,
strong, and active, bold and enterprising ; fond of the
diversion and indefatigable in the pursuit of it; he should
be sensible and good-tempered ; he ought also to be
sober ; he should be exact, civil, and cleanly ; he should
be a good horseman and a good groom ; his voice should
be strong and clear, and he should have an eye so quick,
as to perceive which of his hounds carries the scent,
when all are running ; and should have so excellent an
ear, as always to distinguish the foremost hounds when
he does not see them. He should be quiet, patient, and
without conceit. Such are the excellencies which con-
stitute a good huntsman : he should not, however, be
* The above remarks will also apply to the gamekeeper; but scarcely
perhaps to any other avocations in life— at least, in a manner so forcible
and striking.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 147
Duty of the Huntsman.
too fond of displaying them till necessity calls them forth.
He should let his hounds alone whilst they can hunt, and
he should have genius to assist them when they cannot"
The above qualifications will, however, rarely be found
united in the same person. Good temper is a most de-
sirable quality in a huntsman, as circumstances frequently
occur where it is put to a very severe trial : — when, for
instance, a fox is found, imprudent sportsmen are apt to
ride over the scent, as well as to head him back. If the
cover be small, so that the fox cannot go away unseen,
heading back may not perhaps be of very great conse-
quence ; but the case is frequently very different, and
very vexatious ; but to ride over the scent is, I think,
more provoking. When a fox has just broke cover, and
before the hounds have got settled to the scent, how
often have I seen the scent ridden over ! and that too in
the most vexatious manner : — it certainly is not to be
wondered at, however it may be regretted, if, on such
occasions, the huntsman should forget the respect due
to his superiors. On the 7th of last January (1826) I
met the hounds of Hugo Meynell, Esq. at Radborne,
about three miles from the town of Derby. A fox was
found in a cover, called the Pasture : he was well viewed
away ; in fact, he went off in such a manner as to enable
a number of thoughtless and highly reprehensible sports-
men to ride before the hounds — they rode over the
scent : the hounds endeavoured to pick it out from among
the horses' legs ; but the country presenting no formi-
dable fences, the mercurial spirits above alluded to were
enabled to head the hounds repeatedly, so that they
could not get settled to the scent ; and we ultimately lost
148 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Anecdotes of the
the fox ! Could any thing be more provoking ? A few
weeks prior to this period, I met the York and Ainsty
fox-hovmds at Skehon Springs, near York. We found
in Overton Wood, a cover of very considerable extent ;
which renard seemed very unwilling to leave. At
length, he broke away, and faced the open country in
the direction of Beningborough ; but, at a short distance
from the wood, he crossed a lane, where several secon-
dary sort of sportsmen were waiting ; who rode over the
scent in all directions : and though the pursuit was con-
tinued for more than half an hour, the hounds were
unable to run well up to their fox, (owing no doubt to
the circumstance just mentioned) and we of course lost
him. However, Naylor, the huntsman, kept his temper ;
though he informed me, that, some time before this
period, he had broken out into a great rage, in conse-
quence of a gentleman, not merely riding over the scent,
but also over the best hound in the pack, and killing it !
I have met with several huntsmen who possessed good
sense, who were not altogether destitute of what is un-
derstood by the word genius ; but who, however, had
received scai'cely a common village education. The
famous Dick Knight, who was huntsman to Lord Althorp,
and who, with his favourite horse (Contract) is repre-
sented in a well-known series of engravings, was as
illiterate as possible, but occasionally elicited something-
like strokes of genius. This man was a great favourite
with his master ; was a desperate rider ; and one who
excelled in low games at cards, in which he passed most
of his leisure hours. The features of Dick Knight's face
were by no means prepossessing ; yet they were strongly
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 149
jjn^ i r i f i r^jij »iiii rriv i fr i 'r < r i -' i ■■■■ — ».■■■..■..»■■. i ■■ ■ * i ' iii>»
famous Dick Knight,
marked, and very expressive. He is celebrated for
several extraordinary feats, amongst which, his leap
down the precipice, known by the name of Dick Knight's
leap, was perhaps the most remarkable and the most dan-
gerous. Dick had repeatedly run a particular fox, which
uniformly beat his hounds ; this same fox became well
known, and Knight always knew where to find him.
Renard invariably made for and reached a cover, (Cank
Wood) distant about ten miles, in defiance of every ex-
ertion made to kill him ; and in this cover he uniformly
eluded all further pursuit. Knight was bent on killing
this fox, whose acknowledged game ought, however, to
have insured him fau- play ; but Dick, chafed by the
sneers of the sportsmen who attended his hounds, and
finding it impossible to kill this fox in the ordinary
manner, adopted the following mode in order to accom-
phsh his purpose. He gave his whippers-in the requisite
directions as to the manner in which they were to second
his exertions ; and, placing himself in a situation where
he might be able to view away his old acquaintance, the
hounds were thrown into the cover, the fox found, and
viewed off by Dick Knight. But Knight was not content
with this ; he had resolved to keep him company as long
or as far as possible : he therefore went away with him
and kept him in sight for four or five miles : this was an
exertion of which very few would have been capable ;
but it answered the purpose, (not a praiseworthy purpose
certainly ;) for by this method the fox was so pressed
and so blown, that he was unable to reach the place that
had always afibrded him secure protection : however, he
made the most desperate ellbrts, and the hounds reached
him only one mile from his place of safety !
150 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Notices of several
Shaw, one of the most famous huntsmen of modern
days, appeared to have something hke genius in his com-
position, though he was not able to write till he entered
the service of the Duke of Rutland, when he was about
thirty years of age. The first time I ever saw this man
was with the harriers of Lord Moira (Marquis of Hast-
mgs) about thirty-iive years ago, to which he was hunts-
man, and it was the first season he had ever acted in
that capacity. These harriers were afterwards replaced
by fox-hounds, and Shaw continued to hunt them (several
years) till they were sold by Lord Moira to Sir Henry
Harper, of Caulk, Derbyshire. Shaw afterwards became
huntsman to Sir Thomas Mostyn ; and ultimately served
the Duke of Rutland in that capacity; with both of
whom he was a great favourite. He continued in the
Duke's service for a series of years, until, in fact, he was
afflicted with some disorder, which disabled him from
fulfilling the duties of his office. He quitted the service
of his Grace for some time, and returned again at the
express desire of the latter ; but he was still incapable of
going through the fatigue necessarily attendant upon the
office of huntsman, and he retired. Such, however, had
been the kindness of his master, that Shaw had realized,
not a splendid fortune, but sufficient to live respectably
and keep a couple of hunters. When Sir Bellingham
Graham had the Pycheley hunt, Shaw was frequently
out; he also visited other parts, and I believe resides at
present in Northamptonshire.
Shaw was not only a favourite with the Duke, his
master, but with those who attended his hounds. He
was a good horseman, very active in the field, civil and
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 151
Modern Huntsmen.
respectful, and sometimes manifested what Beckford
would call genius. On one occasion, when he had been
running a fox for some time in the Vale of Belvoir, the
hounds came to a cover, which the fox had evidently
entered : they were soon through it ; and went away as
merrily as possible on the other side. But, before they
had run far, Shaw stopped them, and led them again to
the cover against the opinion of the field ; where, how-
ever, he found his original fox and killed him ! A fresh
fox had evidently gone away when the hounds first en-
tered the cover, and they changed ; of which Shaw was
soon aware, and hence we see his reason for returning.
Shaw became a huntsman without going through those
probationary steps, which generally lead to the office : —
he never officiated in the subordinate capacity of whip-
per-in.
I have seen several good huntsmen within the last half
score years ; and I am of opinion that few packs of fox-
hounds were ever better managed in the field than the
Quorndon, a few years ago, when Sebright was the
huntsman, assisted by those two very active whippers-in,
Richard Burton and Will Head. — They are all light
weights, and good riders — Sebright in particular. The
latter is huntsman to Lord Fitzwilliam ; Burton remains
still at Quorndon with Mr. Osbaldeston ; Head has for
several years hunted Sir Harry Mainwaring's hounds.
Richards, who hunts the Badsworth, seems to under-
stand his business ; but, unfortunately for a huntsman,
he cannot be called a ligJit weight. He is, however, a
good rider, and an active man in the field. In the year
1825, 1 visited the Badsworth ; and had thus an oppor-
152 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Slow Huntsmen improper for Fox-hounds.
tunity of observing the motions of Richards : I pro-
ceeded to Lord Harewood's hunt, where the operations
of George Payne (his lordship's huntsman) formed a
striking contrast to those of Richards. The hounds
must, in a certain degree, take their tone and manner
from the character of the huntsman : — the Badsworth
are quick and active ; Lord Harewood's are more slow
and more philosophical. There was one hound in par-
ticular in Lord Harewood's pack that struck my atten-
tion : I remarked to Payne, the huntsman, that I was
much pleased with the hound in question : — " That
hoxmd, Sir, (said he) would hunt through York Min-
ster."
Slow huntsmen will kill but very few foxes : they are
in fact a check upon their hounds ; which, with a high
scent only, are able to run up to their game ; when it is
indeed out of the huntsman's power to prevent it. " What
avails it to be told which way the fox is gone when he
is so far before that you cannot hunt him ? A New-
market boy, with a good understanding and a good
voice, might be preferable perhaps to an indifferent and
slack huntsman ; he would press on his hounds while the
scent was good, and the foxes he killed, he would kill
handsomely. — A perfect knowledge of the intricacies of
hunting is chiefly of use to slow huntsmen and bad hounds,
since they more often stand in need of it. — Activity is
the first requisite in a huntsman to a pack of fox-hounds ;
a want of it no judgment can make amends for ; but the
most difficult of all his undertakings is the distinguishing
of different scents, and knowing, with any certainty, the
scent of the hunted fox. Much speculation is here re~
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 153
Lord Darlington as a Huntsman.
quired — the length of time hounds remain at fault —
the difference of ground — change of weather — all these
contrihute to increase the difficulty, and require a nicety
of judgment and a precision, much above the compre-
hension of most huntsmen."
Lord Darlington performs the duty of huntsman to
his own pack ; but I cannot say that I much admire his
lordship in that capacity. He appears to be impatient,
and his method seems to partake as much of coursing the
fox, as of hunting him.
The qualification of being a ''good groom,'' which
Beckford states as essential in a huntsman, is not, how-
ever, so indispensable as he seems to think. Fox-hunting
has been on the increase since Beckford's time ; the es-
tablishments in general are more extensive ; and, on this
account, the management of the hounds and the care of
the horses form two distinct arrangements. In small
establishments, the huntsman may officiate as principal
groom ; but it is probably too much to expect that a
clever groom and a good huntsman should be united in
the same person.
A huntsman should be very punctual in arriving at the
fixture or place of meeting ; and, when at the cover side,
he should throw in his hounds as quietly as possible, and
see that they spread the cover properly. When the fox
has gone away, "the huntsman should certainly set oft'
with his foremost hounds, and keep as close to them
afterwards as he conveniently can. No hounds then can
slip dow n the wind, and get out of his hearing ; he will
also see how far they carry the scent ; a necessary know-
K
154 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
When a Huntsman
ledge ; for without it, he never can make a cast, with
any certainty.
'* It is his business to be ready at all times, to lend
them that assistance they so frequently stand in need of,
and which, when they are first at fault, is most critical.
A fox-hound, at that time, will exert himself most ; he
afterwards cools, and becomes more indifferent about
his game. Those huntsmen who do not get forward
enough, to take advantage of this eagerness and impetu-
osity, and direct it properly, seldom know enough of
hunting to be of much use to them afterwards.
"A huntsman should always listen to his hounds,
whilst they are running in cover ; he should be particu-
larly attentive to the head hounds, and he should be
constantly on his guard against a skirter, for if there ai-e
two scents, he must be wrong. — Generally speaking, the
best scent is least likely to be that of the hunted fox :
and as a fox seldom suffers hounds to run up to him, as
long as he is able to prevent it ; so, nine times out of ten,
when foxes are hallooed early in the day, they are all
fresh foxes. The hounds most likely to be right, are the
hard-running, line-hunting hounds ; or such as the hunts-
man knows had the lead, before there arose any doubt
of changing. With regard to the fox, if he breaks over
an open country, it is no sign that he is hard run, for
they seldom at any time will do that, unless they are a
great way before the hounds. Also, if he runs up the
-wind — they seldom or ever do that, when they have been
long hunted, and grow weak ; and when they run their
.foil, that also may direct him.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 155
should assist his Hounds.
" The huntsman, at a check, had better let liis liounds
alone, or content himself with holding them forward,
without taking them off their noses. Hounds that are
not used to be cast, will of themselves acquire a better
cast than it is in the power of any huntsman to give them ;
will spread more, and try better for the scent; and, if
they are in health and spirits, they will want no en-
couragement.
"If they are at fault, and have made their own cast,
(which the huntsman should always first encourage them
to do) it is then his business to assist them further. The
first cast I bid my huntsman make, is generally a regular
one ; not choosing to rely entirely on his judgment : if
that does not succeed, he is then at liberty to follow his
own opinion, and proceed as observation and genius may
direct. When such a cast is made, I like to see some
mark of good sense and meaning in it ; whether down
the wind, or towards some likely cover, or strong earth :
however, as it is at best uncertain, and as the huntsman
and the fox may be of different opinions, I always wish
to see a regular cast, before I see a knowing one ; which,
as a last resource, should not be called forth till it is
wanted. The letting homids alone is but a negative
goodness in a huntsman ; whereas it is true, that thts last
shows real genius ; and to be perfect, must be born u ith
him. There is a fault, however, which a knowing hunts-
man is too apt to commit: he will find a fresh fox, and
then claim the merit of having recovered the hunted one.
It always is dangerous to throw hounds into a cover to
retrieve a lost scent; and, unless they hit him in, is not
to be depended on. OvWen to the last extremity, should
k2
156 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
a knowing cast not succeed, your huntsman is in no wise
blameable : mine, I remember, lost me a good chace, by
persevering too long in a favourite cast : but he gave me
so many good reasons why the fox ought to have gone
that way, that I returned perfectly well satisfied, telling
him at the same time, that, if the fox was a fool, he
could not help it.
"A huntsman will complain of hounds for staying
behind in cover : it is a great fault, and makes the hound
that has it of little value ; a fault frequently occasioned
by his own mismanagement. Having drawn one cover,
he hurries away to another, and leaves the whipper-in
to bring on the hounds after him ; but the whipper-in is
seldom less desirous of getting forward than the hunts-
man; and, unless they come off easily, it is not often that
he gives himself much concern about them. Also, hounds
that are left too long at their walks, will acquire this trick
from hunting'by themselves, and are not easily broken
off it.
'« Before a huntsman goes into the kennel to draft his
hounds, let him determine within himself the number of
hounds'he intends to take out ; as likewise the number
of young hounds that he can venture in the country
where he is going to hunt. Different countries may
require different hounds ; some may require more hoimds
than others : it is not an easy matter to draft hounds
properly ; nor can any expedition be made in it, without
some method.
'' If the huntsman, without inconvenience, can begm
drawing at the farthest cover down the wind, and so
draw from cover to cover up the wind till you find, let
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 157
Fox Huunds should draw.
him do it — it will have many advantages attending it :
he will draw the same covers in half the time ; there will
be less difficulty in getting the hounds off; and as the
fox will most probably run the covers that have already
been drawn, you are certain not to change.
"Judicious huntsmen will observe where foxes like
best to lie. Generally speaking, I think they are fondest of
such covers as lie high, and are dry and thick at bottom ;
such also as lie out of the wind ; and such as are on the
sunny side of hills. The same cover where you find one
fox, when it has remained quiet any time, will probably
produce another.
" It is to little purpose to draw hazle coppices at the
time when nuts are gathered ; furze covers, or two or
three years coppices, are then the only quiet places a
fox can kennel in : they also are disturbed when pheasant
shooting begins, and older covers are more likely. The
season when foxes are most wild and strong is about
Christmas ; a huntsman then must lose no time in drawing
— he must draw up the wind, unless the cover be very
large, in which case it may be better perhaps to cross it,
giving the hounds a side wind, lest he should be obliged
to turn down the wind at last : in either case, let him
draw as quietly as he can.
" Young coppices, at this time, are quite bare : the
most likely places are four or five years coppices, and
such as are furzy at bottom.
" Some huntsmen draw too quick — some too slow.
The time of the day, the behaviovu- of his hounds, and
the covers they are drawing, will direct an observing
huntsman in the pace which he ought to go.
k3
158 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Of Casting
" When you try a furze brakcy let me give you one
caution : never halloo a fox till you see he is got quite
clear of it. When a fox is found in such places, hounds
are sure to go off" well at him ; and it must be owing
either to bad scent, bad hounds, bad management, or
bad luck, if they fail to kill him afterwards. Huntsmen,
whilst their hounds are drawing, or are at fault, fre-
quently make so much noise themselves, that they can
hear nothing else ; they should always have an ear to a
halloo.
" Though a huntsman ought to be as silent as possible
at going into a cover, he cannot be too noisy at coming
out of it again ; and if at any time he should turn back
suddenly, let him give as much notice of it as he can to
his hounds, or he will leave many of them behind him ;
and, should he turn down the wind, he may see no more
of them.
''Though I Uke to see fox hounds cast wide and for-
ward, and dislike to see them pick a cold scent through
flocks of sheep to no purpose, yet I must beg leave to
observe, that I dislike still more to see that unaccount-
able hurry, which huntsmen will sometimes put themselves
into, the moment their hounds are at fault. Time ought
always to be allowed them, to make their own cast ; and
if a huntsman is judicious, he will take that opportunity
to consider, what part he himself has next to act ; but
instead of this, I have seen hounds hurried away the
very instant they came to a fault, a wide cast made, and
the hounds at last brought back to the very spot whence
they were so abruptly taken, and where, if the huntsman
had had a minute's patience, they would have hit off the
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 159
scent themselves. It is always great impertinence in a
huntsman to pretend to make a cast himself, before the
hounds have made theirs. Prudence should direct hun
to encourage, and, I may say, humour his hounds, in the
cast they seem inclined to make, and either to stand still,
or trot round with them, as circumstances may require.
" I have seen huntsmen make their cast on bad ground,
when they might as easily have made it on good. I have
seen them suffer their hounds to try in the midst of a
flock of sheep, when there was a hedge, near which they
might have been sure to take the scent ; and I have seen
a cast made with every hound at their horses' heels. —
When a hound tries for the scent, his nose is to the
ground : when a huntsman makes a cast, his eye should
be on his hounds ; and when he sees them spread wide,
and try as they ought, his cast may then be quick.
" When hounds are at fault, and the huntsman halloos
them off the line of the scent, the whippers-in smacking
their whips, and rating them after him, if he trots away
with them, may not they think the business of the day
is over ? — Hounds never, in my opinion, (unless in par-
ticular cases, or when you go to a halloo) should be taken
entirely off their noses : but, when lifted, should be con-
stantly made to try as they go. Some huntsmen have
a dull, stupid way of speaking to their hounds ; at these
times, little should be said ; and that should have both,
meaning and expression in it.
*' When your huntsman makes a cast, I hope he makes
it perfect one way, before he tries another, as much time
is lost by going backwards and forwards. You will see
huntsmen, when a forward cast docs not succeed, come
160 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Of Foxes running the Roads.
slowly back again : they should return as fast as they
can.
" When hounds are at fault, and it is probable that
the fox has headed back, your cast forward should be
short and quick ; for the scent is then likely to be behind
you : too obstinate a perseverance forward has been the
loss of many foxes. In heathy countries, if there are
many roads, foxes will always run them in dry weather ;
when hounds, therefore, overrun the scent, if your
huntsman returns to the first cross road, he probably
will hit off the scent again.
*' In large covers, if there are many roads, in bad
scenting days when these roads are dry, or after a thaw,
when they carry, it is necessary your huntsman should
be near to his hounds to help them, and hold them for-
ward. Foxes will rvui the roads at these times, and
hounds cannot always own the scent. When they are
at fault on a dry road, let not your himtsman turn back
too soon ; let him not stop till he can be certain the fox
is not gone on. The hounds should try on both sides the
road at once : if he perceives that they try on one side
only, on his return let him try the other.
" If a fox runs up the wind when first found, and af-
terwards turns, he seldom, if ever, turns again. This
observation may not only be of use to your huntsman in
his cast, but may be of use to you, if you should lose the
hounds.
** When you are pursuing a fox over a country, the
scent being bad, and the fox a long way before, without
ever having been pressed, if his point should be for strong-
earths that are open, or for large covers, where game is
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 161
Recovering a hunted Fox when Scent fails.
in plenty, it may be acting wisely to take oft' the hounds
at the first fault they come to ; for the fox will go many
miles for your one, and probably will run you out of all
scent ; but if he should not, you wiU be likely to change
at the first cover you come into : when a fox has been
hard pressed, he should not be easily given up.
" When you would recover a hunted fox, and have no
longer a scent to hunt him by, a long cast to the first
cover he seems to point to, is the only resource you have
left : get there as fast as you can, and then let your
hounds try as slowly and as quietly as possible : if hunt-
ing after him is hopeless, and a long cast does not succeed ^
you had better give him up. Need I remind you, that,
when the scent lies badly, and you find it impossible for
hounds to run, you had better return home, since the
next day may be more favourable. It surely is a great
fault in a huntsman to persevere in bad weather, when
hounds cannot riui, and when there is not a probabihty
of kilHng a fox. Some there are, who, after they have
lost one fox for want of scent to hunt him by, will find
another ; this makes their hounds slack, and sometimes
vicious ; it also disturbs the covers to no purpose. Some
sportsmen are more lucky in their days than others. If
you hunt every other day, it is possible they may be all
bad, and the intermediate days all good ; an indifferent
pack therefore, by hunting on good days, may kill foxes,
without any merit ; and a good pack, notwithstanding
all their exertion, may lose foxes which they deserved to
kill.
"A perfect knowledge of his country certainly is a
great help to a huntsman ; if your's as yet has it not,
162 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Of a tired Fox.
great allowance ought to be made. The trotting away
with hounds to make a long and knowing cast, is a pri-
vilege which a new huntsman cannot pretend to : an ex-
perienced one may safely say, a fox has made for such
a cover, when he has known, perhaps, that nine out of
ten, with the wind in the same quarter, have constantly
gone thither.
" In a country where there are large earths, a fox
that knows the country, and tries any of them, seldom
fails to try the rest. A huntsman may take advantage
of this ; they are certain casts, and may help him to get
nearer to his fox.
" Great caution is necessary when a fox runs into a
village : if he is halloo'd there, get forward as fast as you
can. Foxes, when tired, will lie down any where, and
are often lost by it. A wide cast is not the best to recover
a tired fox with tired hounds : they should hvmt him out,
inch by inch, though they are ever so long about it, for
the reason I have just given, that he will lie down any
ivhere.
" In chases and forestSj where high fences are made to
preserve the coppices, I like to see a huntsman put only
a few hounds over, enough to carry on the scent, and
get forward with the rest : it is a proof that he knows
his business.
"A huntsman must take care, where foxes are in
plenty, that he does not run the heel ; for it frequently
happens, that hounds can run the wrong way of the scent
better than they can the right, when one is up the wind
and the other down.
" Fox-hunters, I think, are never guilty of the fault of
trying up the wind, before they have tried down. I
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 163
Kunning the Foil.
have known them lose foxes, rather than condescend to
try up the wind at all.
'* When a huntsman hears a halloo, and has five or
six couple of hounds along with him, the pack not
running, let him get forward with those which he has :
when they are on the scent, the rest will soon join them.
" Let him lift his tail hounds, and get them forward
after the rest : it can do no hurt. But let him be cautious
how he lifts any hounds to get forward before the rest :
it always is dangerous, and foxes are sometimes lost by it.
** When a fox runs his foil in cover, if you suffer all
your hounds to hunt on the line of him, they will foil the
ground, and tire themselves to little purpose. I have
before told you, that your huntsman, at such a time, may
stop the tail hounds, and throw them in at head. I am
almost inclined to say, it is the only tune it should be
done. Whilst hounds run straight, it cannot be of any
use ; for they will get on faster with the scent than they
would without it.
"When hounds are hunting a cold scent, and point
towards a cover, let a whipper-in get forward to the op-
posite side of it. Should the fox break before the hounds
reach the cover, stop them, and get them nearer to him.
" When a fox persists in running in a strong cover,
lies down often behind the hounds, and they are slack in
hunting him, let the huntsman get into the cover to them.
It may make the fox break, it may keep him off his foil,
or may prevent the hounds from giving him up.
" When hounds are at fault, and cannot make it out
of themselves, let the first cast be quick ; the scent is
then good, nor are the hounds likely to go over it : as
164 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Hounds Casting themselves.
the scent gets worse, the cast should be slower, and be
more cautiously made. This is an essential part of
hunting, and which, I am sorry to say, few huntsmen
attend to. I wish they would remember the following
rules, viz. that with a good scent, their cast should be
quick ; with a bad scent, slow ; and that, when the
hounds are picking along a cold scent, they are not to
cast them at all.
"When hounds are at fault, and staring about, trust-
ing solely to their eyes, and to their ears, the making a
cast with them, I apprehend, wovdd be to little purpose.
The likeliest place for them to find a scent, is where
they left it ; and when the fault is evidently in the dog,
a forward cast is least likely to recover the scent.
" When hounds are making a good and regular cast,
trying for the scent as they go, suffer not your huntsman
to say a word to them : it cannot do any good, and pro-
bably may make them go over the scent.
"When hounds come to a check, a huntsman should
observe the tail hounds : they are the least likely to
overrun the scent, and he may see by them how far they
brought it. In most packs there are some hounds that
will shew the point of the fox ; and, if attended to, will
direct his cast : when such hounds follow unwillingly, he
may be certain the rest of the pack are running without
the scent.
"When he casts his hounds, let him not cast wide,
without reason ; for of course it will take more time.
Huntsmen, in general, keep too forward in their casts ;
or, as a sailor would say, keep too long on one tacJc.
They should endeavour to hit off the scent by crossing
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 165
Of Casting lound Sheep.
the line of it. Two parallel lines, you know, can never
meet.
" When he goes to a halloo, let him be careful, lest his
hounds run the heel, as much time is lost by it. I once
saw this mistake made by a famous hvmtsman : — after we
had left a cover, which we had been drawing, a disturbed
fox was seen to go into it ; he was halloo'd, and we re-
turned. The huntsman, who never enquired njhere the
fox was seen, or on which side the cover he entered,
threw his hounds in at random; and, as it happened, on
the opposite side : they immediately took the heel of
him, broke cover, and hunted the scent back to his very
kennel.
" Different countries require different casts : such
huntsmen as have been used to a woodland, and inclosed
country, I have seen lose time in an open country, where
wide casts are always necessary.
" When you want to cast round a flock of sheep, the
whipper-in ought to drive them the other way, lest they
should keep running on before you.
"A fox seldom goes over or under a gate, when he
can avoid it.
*' Huntsmen are frequently very conceited, and very
obstinate. Often have I seen them, when their hounds
came to a check, turn directly back, on seeing hounds at
head, which they had no opinion of. They supposed
the fox was gone another way ; in which case, Mr.
Bayes's remark in the Rehearsal always occurs to me :
" that if he should not, what then becomes of their sup-
pose." Better, gurely, would it be, to make a short cast
forward first; they then might be certain the hounds
166 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Of obstinate Hounds and obstinate Huntsmen.
were wrong, and of course, could make their own cast
with greater confidence. The advantage, next to that
of knowing where the fox is gone, is that of knowing,
with certainty, where he is not.
" Most huntsmen hke to have all their hounds turned
after them, when they make a cast : I wonder not at
them for it, but I am always sorry when I see it done ;
for, till I find a huntsman that is infallible, I shall con-
tinue to think, the more my hounds spread, the better :
as long as they are within sight or hearing, it is sufficient.
Many a time have I seen an obstinate hound hit off" the
scent, when an obstinate huntsman, by casting the wrong-
way, has done all in his power to prevent it.* Two
foxes I remember to have seen killed in one day, by
skirting hounds, whilst the huntsman was making his
cast the contrary way.
* It is recorded, that, "in drawing a strong cover, a young bitch gave
tongue very freely, while none of the other hounds challenged: the whipper-
in rated to no purpose ; the huntsman insisted she was wrong, and the
whip was applied with great severity — in doing this, the lash accidentally
struck one of her eyes out of the socket. Notwithstanding this painful
situation, the bitch again took the scent, and proved herself right, for a fox
had stole away, and she broke cover after him unheeded and alone. How-
ever, after much delay and cold hunting, the pack did hit off the chase :
at some distance a farmer informed the sportsmen that they were far behind
their fox ; for that a single hound, very bloody about the head, had passed
a field off from him, and was running breast high, and that there was little
chance of their getting up to him. The pack, from her coming to a check,
did at length get up ; and after some cold hunting, the bitch again hit off
the scent : the fox was killed, after a long and severe run, and the eye of
the bitch, which had hung pendant during the chase, was taken off by a
pair of scissors after the fox was dead !"
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 167
Trying back for a Fox.
" When hounds, running in cover, come into a road,
and horses are on before, let tlie huntsman hold them
quickly on beyond where the horses have been, trying
the opposite side as he goes along. Should the horse-
men have been there long enough to have headed back
the fox, let them then try back. Condemn me not for
suftering hounds to try back, when the fox has been
headed back ; I recommend it at no other time.
*' When your hounds are divided into many parts, you
had better go off with the first fox that breaks. The
ground will soon get tainted, nor will hounds like a cover
where they are often changing.
" The heading a fox back at first, if the cover be not
a large one, is oftentimes of service to hounds, as he will
not stop, and cannot go off unseen. When a fox has
been hard run, I have known it turn out otherwise ; and
hounds that would easily have killed him out of the cover,
have left him in it.
" When a fox has been often headed back on one side
of a cover, and a huntsman knows there is not any body
on the other side to halloo him, the first fault his hounds
come to, let him cast that way, lest the fox should be
gone off; and if he is in the cover, he may still recover
him.
''The two principal things which a huntsman has to
attend to, are the keeping of his hounds healthy and
steady. The first is attained by cleanliness and proper
food ; the latter, by putting as seldom as possible, any
unsteady ones amongst them.
" When a fox is lost, the huntsman, on his return home,
should examine himself, and endeavour to find in what
168 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
What constitutes a Perfect Huntsman.
he might have done better ; he may by this means make
the very losing of a fox of use to him.
** Sometimes you will meet with a good kennel hunts-
man ; sometimes an active and judicious one in the field ;
some are clever at finding a fox, others are better after
he is found ; whilst perfection in a huntsman, like per-
fection in any thing else, is scarcely any where to be met
with.
" The keeping hounds clean and healthy, and bringing
them into the field in their fullest vigour, is the excellence
of a good kennel huntsman; if besides this, he makes
his hounds both love and fear him ; if he is active, and
presses them on while the scent is good, always aiming
to keep as near to the fox as he can ; if, when his hounds
are at fault, he makes his cast with judgment, not casting
the wrong way first, and blundering on the right at last,
as many do ; if, added to this, he is patient and perse-
vering, never giving up a fox while there remains a
chance of killing him, he then is a perfect huntsman."
With regard to the whippers-in — on leaving the kennel,
the place of the first whipper-in is before the hounds ;
the second whipper-in should follow them at some little
distance. — The first whipper-in may be considered as a
second huntsman, and should possess as nearly as pos-
sible the same good qualities ; but acting, as he must,under
the direction of the huntsman, a person may fulfil the
duties of this office without the experience so essential
to a good huntsman. He must always maintain to the
huntsman's halloo, and stop such hounds as divide from
it : when stopped, he should get to the huntsman with
them as soon as possible. He must always be content
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 169
Anecdote of Will Dean.
to act in a subordinate capacity, except when circum-
stances require that he should act otherwise. If, for
instance, the huntsman happen to be thrown out, it is
the duty of the first whipper-in to supply his place. —
Beckford says, " I prefer an excellent Avhipper-in to an
excellent huntsman. The opinion I believe is new ; — I
must endeavour to explain it. My meaning is this, that
I think I should have better sport, and kill more foxes,
with a moderate huntsman, and an excellent whipper-in,
than with the best of huntsmen, without such an assist-
ant. You will say, perhaps, that a good huntsman will
make a good whipper-in ; not such a one as I mean; his
talent must be born with him. My reasons are, that
good hounds, (and I would not keep bad ones) stand
oftener in need of the one than the other ; and genius,
which in a whipper-in, if attended by obedience, his first
requisite, can do no hurt ; in a huntsman, is a dangerous,
though desirable, quality : and if not accompanied with
a large share of prudence, and I may s^y humility, will
often spoil your sport, and hurt your hounds. A gen-
tleman told me, he heard the famous Will Dean, when
his hoimds were running hard in a line with Daventry,
from whence they were at that time many miles distant,
swear exceedingly at the whipper-in, saying, " What
business have yoti here?" the man was amazed at the
question, 'W/y dont you know" said he, "and be d — 'd
to yon, that the great earth at Daventry is open ?" —
The man got forward, and reached the earth just time
enough to see the fox go in. If therefore whippers-in
are at liberty to act as they shall think right, they are
much less confined than the himtsman himself, wlio must
L
170 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
The Steadiness of a Pack of Fox Hounds
follow his hounds ; and consequently they have greater
scope to exert their genius, if they have any."
There ai*e many sportsmen, however, who do not agree
in opinion with Beckford on the subject just quoted ;
nor can I help thinking that the success of the chase
depends more upon the genius of the huntsman, than
upon that of the first whipper-in. The making and
keeping the pack steady depends much upon him, as a
huntsman should seldom, if ever, flog a hound. When
a whipper-in is desirous to stop the head hounds, he
should, if possible, get to the head of them before he
attempts to stop them. Rating behind is often of little
use, and if they are in cover, it may prevent him from
ascertaining which are the culprits. When hounds are
running a fox, he should content himself with stopping-
such as are riotous, and should get them forward. " They
may be condemned on the spot, but the punishment
should be deferred till the next day, when they may be
taken out on purpose to commit the fault, and receive
the punishment."
Sometimes a whipper-in will rate young hounds, when
he perceives them about to commit a fault ; this may
prevent them for that time; but will not deter them
pei'haps for the future, as they will bo very likely to do
the same again on the first opportunity which is presented
to them. He should let them alone till he has completely
ascertained what they would be at— and he may then
chastise them according to the degree of the offence. If
when a whipper-in rate a hound, the hound pays no at-
tention to it, he should take him up immediately and
give him a severe flogging. Whippers-in are too apt to
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 171
depends much on the \Vhi|iper-in.
continue rating when tliey find rating is of no avail ; at
the same time, he should never strike a hound without
the animal being perfectly conscious for what the blow
has been inflicted. A blow should never be given to a
hound that does not deserve it ; but whenever a blow is
called for, it should be severely administered.
" Such hounds as are notorious offenders should also
feel the lash and hear a rate as they go to cover ; it may
be an useful hint to thein, and may prevent a severe
flogging afterwards. A sensible whipper-in will wait his
opportunity to single out his hound ; he will then hit him
hard, and rate him well ; whilst a foolish one will often
hit a dog he did not intend to strike ; will ride full gallop
into the midst of the hounds ; will perhaps i*ide over
some of the best of them, and put the whole pack into
confusion ! " Whenever a hound deserves the lash, the
whipper-in should hit him first and rate him afterwards ;
as a hound, if rated first, will naturally enough avoid the
whip, if possible.
The second whipper-in is frequently a youth, ignorant
in a great degree of the business of hunting ; and indeed,
if such an one be tractable, he will answer the purpose.
He should never encourage or rate a hound, but when
he is quite certain it is right to do so ; nor should he
ever get forward whilst a single hound remains behind —
he should be particularly careful to suffer no hound to
remain behind in cover.
Beckford says the first whipper-in is sometimes con-
ceited ; I have known instances where the second whip-
per-in has manifested more than a sufficient portion of
this baneful quality: as a specimen of which, I give the
1.2
172 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Funeral of Moody,
following instance : — The Cheshire fox-hounds (Sir
Harry Mainwaring's) on the 31st of January, 1826, met
at Shavington, the seat of Lord Kilmorey. A brace of
foxes were found in a neighbouring plantation, one of
which gave us a run of nearly an hour, and was lost.
Another fox was found at Combermere, which afforded
a very good run of fifty minutes. But, prior to the con-
clusion of the business, Will Head's (the huntsman) horse
came to a stand still ; the horse of the first whipper-in
(Joseph Howard) was completely exhausted at the same
time, and took his station by the side of the huntsman's
horse: Henry GaiF(the second whipper-in) had his horse
still in a going condition. The huntsman called to him
to lend him his horse, when he replied, " 111 see you
d 'd first ; exultingly rode forward, and killed the
fox."
The merits of famous huntsmen have frequently been
recorded ; but perhaps Moody alone, as a whipper-in,
has been rendered immortal through the medium of the
press. Moody was, for thirty years, whipper-in to Mr.
Forrester's hounds in Shropshire. He was carried to
his last home by six earth stoppers, attended by many
friends. Directly after the coi-pse, followed his favourite
horse (whom he used to call Old Soul) with a fox's brush
at the front of the bridle ; his cap, whip, boots, &c.
across the saddle. After the burial service was read,
three view halloos were given over his grave. This
mode of consigning the earthly remains of Moody to the
grave was in consequence of his own express desire
while living : and the event has been commemorated by
the following song frf)m the pen of W. Pearce, Esq^
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 173
the famous Whipper-in.
which was frequently sung with uncommon effect by
Incledon : —
You all knew Tom Moody, the Whipper-in, well:
The bell just done tolling was honest Tom's knell :
A more able sportsman ne'er follow'd a hound
Through a country, well known to him, fifty miles round s
No hound ever chnllcngd so deep in the wood,
But Tom well knew the sound, and could tell if 't was good ; —
And ALL, with attention, would eagerly mark,
When he cheer'd up the pack witli — " Hark ! Ratller ! hark! hark !
High ! — wind him ! and cross him !
Now, Rattler, boy ! —Hark !"
Six crafty hearth-stoppers, in hunter's-green drest,
Supported poor Tom to "an earth" made for rest:
His horse, which he styld his " Old Soul," next apjjear'd,
On whose forehead the brush of his last fox was rear'd ;
Whip, cap, boots, and spurs, in a trophy were bound ;
And here and there follow'd an old straggling hound.
Ah ! no more at his halloo yon vales will they trace !
Nor the Wrekin* resound his first scream in the chase!
With " high-over ! now press him !
Tally ho! tally ho!"
Tom thus spoke to his friends, ere he gave up his breath ; —
" Since I see you're rcsolv'd to be in at the death.
One favour bestow — 'tis the last I shall crave ; —
Give a rattling view halloo thrice over my grave :
And unless at that warning I lift up my head.
My boys ! you may fairly conclude I am dead !"
Honest Tom was obey'd, and the shout rent the sky,
For ev'ry voice join'd in th' enlivening cry !
" Tally ho ! hark forward I
Tally ho! tally ho!"
# The famous mountain ja Shropshire.
l3
CHAPTER VII.
Of the Time of Meeting.— Of Blood.— The Opinion of
the late Mr. Meynell upon the Subject of Blood, as
well as on Homids and Fox Hunting. — Of Draiving. —
Riding to Hounds, and the Manageinent of the Run. —
Changing Foxes.— Hounds at Fault. — Of Halloos.
— Bag Foxes. — Of Fox Courts. — Treatment of Cubs.
— Digging Foxes. — Of Badgers.
I have already made a few observations on the methods
of the ancient and modern schools of fox-hunting, in
which I have not forgotten to notice the difference of
the hour of meeting. It is not likely that any remarks
which I may offer upon this subject will have much in-
fluence upon what has become the general custom ; but,
it must be admitted that an early hour is most favourable
to sport. A fox is then more easily found than at a later
period, and the mol'ning is perhaps the time which gene-
rally affords best scent : blood is consequently more
easily obtained under such circumstances; which, ac-
cording to Beckford, constitutes the leading principle
and indeed the very essence of fox-hunting. He thus
expresses himself — " the whole art of fox-hunting being
to keep the hounds well in blood : sport is but a secon-
dary consideration with a true fox-hunter. The first is,
the killing of the fox — hence arises the eagerness of
pursuit and the chief pleasure of the chase. I confess
I esteem blood so necessary to a pack of fox-hounds,
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 175
Difi'erence of Opinion in respect to Blood.
that, with regard to myself, I ahva) s return home better
pleased with an indifferent chase, with death at the end
of it, than with the best chase possible if it ends with the
loss of the fox." It cannot" be denied that the death of
the fox is a satisfactory termination of the chase ; but,
on the indispensable necessity of blood to a pack of fox-
hounds, all fox-huntei's are not agreed. I am perfectly
aware that the opinion expressed by Beckford on the
subject of blood is generally entertained; but there has
been one exception at least, and that exception entitled
to much more than ordinary consideration : — the justly
celebrated Mr. Meynell, we are told, "was more indif-
ferent about blood than most masters of hounds." His
notions on the subject of fox-hunting having appeared
through the medium of the press, I will quote them in
this place for the benefit of the reader : —
" Hugo Meynell, Esq. of Quorndon, in the county of
Leicester, was, doubtless, the most successful sports-
man of his time ; producing the steadiest, wisest, best,
and handsomest pack of fox-hovmds in the kingdom.
" His object in breeding hounds was, to combine
strength with beauty, and steadiness with high mettle.
" His idea of perfection of shape was, short backs,
open bosoms, straight legs, and compact feet; as the
greatest and first considerations in form.
"The first qualities he considered were, fine noses
and stout runners.
" In the spring of the year he broke in his hounds at
hare, to find out their propensities, which, when at all
flagrant, they early manifested, and he drafted them ac-
cordinti to their defects.
176 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
The System of the
" After hare-hunting, they were, the remaming part
of the summer, daily walked amongst riot.
" When the hunting season commenced, his hounds
wei'e hunted in the woodlands, amidst abundance of
foxes, for two months.
"In the month of November, the pack was carefully
divided into the old and young pack. The old pack
consisted of three years' old and upwards ; and no two
years' old was admitted, except a very high opinion was
entertained of his virtues and abilities.
" The young hounds were hunted twice a week, as
much in woodlands as possible, and in the most un-
popular coverts. The young pack had always a few
couple of steady old hounds with them.
" The old pack hunted the best country. When any
bad faults were discovered, they were immediately draft-
ed, for fear of contamination.
" Skirting, over-running the scent, and babbling, were
the greatest faults.
" Perfections consisted of true guiders in hard run-
ning, and close patient hunters in a cold scent — together
with stoutness.
"Mr. Meynell's hounds were criticised, by himself
and his friends, in the most minute manner : every hound
had his peculiar talents, and was sure to have a fair op-
portunity of displaying them. Some had the remark-
able faculty of finding a fox, which they would do, almost
invariably, notwithstanding twenty or thirty couple were
out in the same cover ; some had the propensity to hunt
the doubles and short turns ; some were inclined to be
hard runners ; some had a i-emarkable faculty of hunting
HUNTING DIRECTORY 177
celebrated Hugo Mcyncll, Esq.
the drag of a fox, which they would do very late in the
day ; and sometimes the hardest runners were the best
hunters : and fortunate was the year when such excel-
lencies prevailed.
" Mr. Meynell prided himself on the steadiness and
docility of his hounds, and their hunting through sheep
and hares, which they did in a very superior manner.
He seldom, or ever, attempted to lift his hounds through
sheep ; and from habit, and the great flocks the hounds
were accustomed to, they carried the scent on most cor-
rectly and expeditiously, much sooner than any lifting
could accomplish.
" Mr. Meynell was not fond of casting hounds : when
once they were laid upon the line of scent, he left it to
them — he only encouraged them to take pains, and kept
aloof, so that the steam of the horses could not interfere
with the scent.
" When a fox was found in a gorse covert, very httle
noise or encouragement was made ; and, when he went
away, as soon as the hounds were apprised of it, they did
not go headlong after, but commenced very quietly —
settled and collected together gradually, mending their
pace, and accumulating their force, as they went along ;
completing what was emphatically termed — a terrible
burst !
" When his hounds came to a check, every encourage-
ment was given them to recover the scent, without the
huntsman getting amongst them, or the whippers-in
driving them about, which is the common practice of
most packs. The hounds were halloo'd back to the
place where they brought the scent, and encouraged to
178 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
The System of the
try round in their own way, which they generally did
successfully ; avoiding the time lost in the mistaken
practice of casting the hounds at the heels of the hunts-
man.
" When the hounds were cast, it was in two or three
different lots, by Mr. Meynell, his huntsman, and whip-
per-in ; and not driven together in a body like a flock of
sheep. They were allowed to spread and use their own
sagacity, at a very gentle pace ; and not hurried about in
a blustering manner, but patiently.
" It was Mr. Meynell's opinion, that a great noise, and
scolding of hounds, made them wild : correcting them in
a quiet way was the most judicious method.
" Wliippers-in should turn hounds quietly ; and not
call after them in a noisy, disagreeable manner.
" When hounds are going to the cry, they should be
encouraged in a pleasant way : not driven and rated, as
if discord was a necessary ingredient in the sport and
music of a fine cry of hounds. Whippers-in are too apt
to think their own importance and consequence consists
in shouting, hallooing, and unnecessary activity. When
hounds can hear the cry, they get together sooner than
any whipper-in can drive them. If any hound is con-
ceited, and disinclined to go to the cry, he should be
immediately drafted.
" Should there be only one fox in cover, and two or
three hounds get away with him whilst the body of the
pack are hunting the line behind, some judicious sports-
man should ride to them, and view halloo for the rest of
the pack to join them. It is the most certain way to
ensure the run, and the hounds will very speedily get
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 179
celebrated Hugo Meynell, Esq.
together, when properly treated. If there are many
foxes in cover, and one should go away, and the hounds
are running m various parts, you may, if a favourable
opportunity presents itself, try to halloo the pack away ;
but do not attempt it without such favourable circum-
stance, as a good rummaging in cover will do the hounds
service. When a fox dwells in cover, and will not go
away, the best plan is to leave him, and not kill him ;
another day he may afford a good run.
*' Blood ivas a thing Mr. Meynell was more indifferent
about than most owners of hounds. The wildest packs
of hounds were known to kill the most foxes in cover,
but very seldom shewed good runs over a country.
" Hounds chopping foxes in cover, is more a vice than
a proof of their being good cover hounds. Murdering
foxes is a most absurd prodigality. Seasoned foxes are
as necessary to sport as experienced hounds.
" To obtain a good run, your hounds should not only
have good abilities, but they should be experienced, and
well acquainted with each other. To gviide a scent well
over a country for a length of time, and through all the
difficulties usually encountered, requires the best and
most experienced abihties : a faulty hound, or injudicious
rider, by one improper step, may defeat the most pro-
mising run.
" Gentlemen, and every person who makes hunting
his pursuit, should learn to ride judiciously to hounds ;
it is a contemplative amusement, and much good diver-
sion might be promoted by a few regular precautions.
The principal thing to attend to is, not to ride too near
the hounds, and always as much as possible anticipate a
180 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Mr. Meynell's System.
check ; by which means, the leading men will pull their
horses up in time, and afford the hounds fair oppor-
tunity to keep the line of scent unbroken : sheep, cattle,
teams at plough, and arable land, are all causes of checks,
-ffif Thoughtless sportsmen are apt to press too much
on hounds, particularly down a road. Every one should
consider, that every check operates against the hounds,
and that scent is of a fleeting nature — soon lost — never
again to be recovered.
" Mr. Meynell's hounds had more good runs than any
pack of his day : two very extraordinary ones happened
of a very rare description : — one was a run of one hour
and twenty minutes, without a check, and killed their
fox : the other was two hours and fifty minutes, without
a cast, and killed. The hounds, in the first run, kept
well together, and only two horses performed it ; the
rest of the field were unequal to its fleetness : the other
run alluded to was performed by the whole of the pack ;
and though all were up at the death, two or three slack-
ened in their pace just at the last : one horse only went
the whole of it.
*' Mr. Meynell's natural taste led him to admire large
hounds ; but, his experience convinced him that small
ones were generally the stoutest, soundest, and in every
respect the most executive.
"Various are the attentions necessary to manage a
pack of hounds, and quite sufficient to engage the occu-
pation of an active man's mind. Should the master of
the hounds have other important concerns to call his
attention off, sensible and confidential agents and servants
should be chosen in every department.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 181
The Subject of Blood considered.
" Fox-hunting is manly and fine exercise, aftbrding
health to the body, and food for a contemplative mind ;
in no situation are the faculties of man more displayed.
Fortitude, good sense, and collectiveness of mind, have
a wide field for exercise ; and a sensible sportsman would
be a respectable character in any situation of life.
" The field is a most agreeable coffee-house, and there
is more real society to be met with there than in any
other situation of life : it links all classes together, from
the peer to the peasant — it is the Englishman's pecuhar
privilege — it is not to be found in any other part of the
globe, but in England's true land of liberty — and may it
flourish to the end of time ! "
But to return — I have already stated that an opinion
is generally entertained that blood is indispensable to a
pack of fox hounds. — If we reason by analogy on the
subject, we shall find that the stag hound is seldom al-
lowed to taste blood, and yet he continues to pursue the
chase with the utmost ardour ; the same remark will in
some degree apply to the harrier, though not to the same
extent ; the greyhound pursues the hare with headlong
impetuosity, though he is never allowed to share the
prize when he has obtained it ; but, if we extend this
reasoning to the pointer, the setter, and the spaniel, we
shall find that they are cautiously prevented from ever
tasting blood — they are taught indeed never to expect
it, and yet this certainly has not the effect of slackening
their mettle, or rendei'ing them less eager in the pursuit.
Even amongst fox hounds there are individuals to be
foimd not inclined to devour the fox ; and I have seen
excellent fox hounds, which, though tliey ran tlie fox in
182 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Considerations on the Necessity of
tlie most gallant and determined manner imaginable,
Avould, nevertheless, refuse to eat him, nor indeed could
they ever be induced to swallow a morsel ! Young fox
hounds frequently testify no great desire to eat the fox,
though they may run into him with the utmost fury ; nor,
in fact, would a fox, one hour after his death, be very
eagerly devoured by old hoimds, accustomed to blood —
they would perhaps refuse him altogether. Fox hounds
are maddened with the pursuit — they are worked up to
a pitch of fury ; and unless the fox is devoured before
their anger is allowed to cool, they would, in all proba-
bility, feel but little disposed for such a repast.
Hence it might appear that the capture, and not the
blood, of the object of pursuit is the main stimulus to
that extraordinary exertion which we frequently see dis-
played by hounds ; and that perhaps if fox hounds were
left intirely to themselves, and had never been encouraged
to devour their game, it is doubtful whether many of
them ( if not the whole pack) would not be satisfied with
killing him. I am aware that this would not be the case
with stag hounds or harriers ; but it must be recollected
that a fox is not a very enticing delicacy, like a deer or a
hare, and can only be rendered a tempting morsel under
an extraordinary degree of excitement — under, in fact,
the circumstances which generally precede and attend
his death.
In support of this hypothesis, it may be further ob-
served, that a pointer or any of those dogs that are used
in the pursuit of winged game, however excellent they
may previously have been, soon become vmeasy, unruly,
and ultimately good for nothing, unless a reasonable
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 183
Blood to a Pack of Fox Hounds.
quantity of game be killed to them : — for instance, a
pointer, which, in the hands of a good shot, is a capital
dog, and performs his work in the best possible style,
will soon manifest uneasiness and disappointment, if he
happen to be taken out by an indifferent or bad marks-
man: if tlie game fall not before him, he soon loses the
inclination to pursue it, at least in a proper manner : and
hence it would clearly appear that the capture of the ob-
ject of pursuit is necessary to the excellence of the dog,
though blood is by no means indispensable, since he ea-
gerly pursues that which he can never expect to taste.
Similar remarks are applicable to the greyhound ; and
harriers, I am inclined to think, which seldom reach the
game, will never be remarkable for their excellence. —
The dog feels an indescribable pleasure in the gratifica-
tion of his master — to accomplish this he exerts his
powers to the utmost, and when he is conscious of having
accomplished it, he may be fairly supposed to be satis-
fied.
Fox hunters, however, in general, will have some dif-
ficulty in reconciUng themselves to the idea of blood not
being essential to a pack of fox hounds ; yet, from what
has been stated, it is reasonable to conclude, that, though
the death of the fox may be indispensable to the excel-
lence of the hounds, devouring him afterwards is a cir-
cinnstance not absolutely called for, and no further ne-
cessary than merely giving a better and more complete
finish to the business than could be otherwise accom-
plished.
There is a decree of interest and animation about fox
184 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Enthusiasm of a Fox Chase.
hunting which fox hunters only can well understand,
and upon which Somervile thus expresses himself: —
" Huntsman, prepare ! Ere yet the morning peep,
Or stars retire from the first blush of day,
With thy far-echoing voice alarm thy pack.
And rouse thy bold compeers. Then to the copse,
Thiek with entangling grass, or prickly furze,
With silence, lead thy many-coloured hounds,
In all their beauty's pride. See ! how they range,
Dispers'd, how busily this way. and that,
They cross, examining with curious nose
Each likely haunt. Hark ! on the drag I hear
Their doubtful notes, preluding to a cry
More nobly full and swell'd with every mouth.
As straggling armies, at the trumpet's voice,
Press to their standard, hither all repair,
And hurry through the woods; with hasty step
Rustling, and full of hope ; now driven on heaps
They push, they strive ; while from his kennel sneaks
The conscious villain. See ! he skulks along.
Sleek at the shepherd's cost, and plump with meals
Puiloin'd : so thrive the wicked here below.
Though high his brush he bear, though tipt with white
It gaily shine ; yet ere the sun declin'd
Recal the shades of night, the pamper'd rogue
Shall rue his fate revers'd ; and at his heels
Behold the just avenger, swift to seize
His forfeit head, and thirsting for his blood.
Heavens! what melodious strains ! how beat our hearts ,
Big with tumultuous joy ! the loaded gales
Breathe harmony ; and as the tempest drives
From wood to wood, through every dark recess
The forest thunders, and the mountains shake.
The chorus swells ; less various, and less sweet,
The thrilling notes, when in those very groves,
The feather'd choristers salute the spring.
And every bush in concert joins ; or when
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 185
The Fox Chase.
The master's band, in modulated air,
Bids the loud organ breathe, and all the powers
Of music in one instrument combine.
An universal minstrelsy. And now
In vain each earth he tries, the doors are barr'd
Impregnable, nor is the covert safe ;
He pants for purer air ! Hark ! what loud shouts
Re-echo tlirough the groves ! he breaks away.
Shrill boms proclaim his flight. Each straggling hound
Strains o'er tbc lawn to reach the distant pack.
'Tis triumph all and joy. Now, my brave youths,
Now give a loose to the clean generous steed ;
Flourish the whip, nor spare the galling spur ;
But, in the madness of delight, forget
Your fears. Far o'er the rocky hills we range,
And dangerous our course; but in the brave
True courage never fails. In vain the stream
In foaming eddies whirls ; in vain the ditch
Wide gaping threatens death. The craggy steep,
Where the poor dizzy shepherd crawls with care,
And clings to every twig, gives us no pain ;
But down we sweep, as stoops the fakon bold
To pounce his prey. Then up th' opponent hill.
By the swift motion flung, we mount aloft.
What lengths we pass ! where will the wandering chase
Lead us bewildered ! smooth as swallows skim
The new-shorn mead, and far more swift, we fly.
See my brave pack ; how to the head they press,
Jostling in close array, then more diffuse
Obliquely wheel, while from their opening mouths
The voUied tli under breaks. Now far behind
The hunter crew, wide-straggling o'er the plain !
The panting courser now with trembling nerves
Begins to reel ; urg'd by the goring spur,
Makes many a faint effort: he snorts, he foams.
The big round drops run trickling down his sides,
With sweat and blood distain'd. Look back and view
The strange confusion of the vale below,
M
186 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
The Fox Chase.
Where sour vexation reigns; see }'on poor jade,
In vain th' impatient rider frets and swears ;
With galling spurs harrovps his mangled sides ;
He can no more : his stiff unpliant limbs
Rooted in earth, unmov'd and fix'd he stands,
For every cruel curse returns a groan,
And sobs, and faints, and dies.
While these, with loosen'd reins and dangling heels,
Hang on their reeling palfreys, that scarce bear
Their weights : another in the treacherous bog
T/ies floundering, half ingulf 'd. What biting thoughts
Torment th' abandon'd crew ! Old age laments
His vigour spent : the tall, plump, brawny youth
Curses his cumberous bulk ; and envies now
The short pygmaean race, he whilom kenn'd
With pi'oud insulting leer. A chosen few
Alone the sport enjoy, nor droop beneath
Their pleasing toils. Here, huntsman, from this height
Observe yon birds of prey : if I can judge,
'Tis there the villain lurks : they hover round
And claim him as their own. Was I not right?
See ! there he creeps along ; his brush he drags,
And sweeps the mire impure; from his wide jaws
His tongue unmoisten'd hangs ; symptoms too sure
Of sudden death. Ha ! yet he flies, nor yields
To black despair. But one loose more, and all
His wiles are vain. Hark ! through yon village now
The rattling clamour rings. The barns, the cots,
And leafless elms return the joyous sounds.
Through every homestall, and through every yard.
His midnight walks, panting, forlorn, he flies ;
Through every hole he sneaks, through every jakes
Plunging he wades besmear'd, and fondly hopes
In a superior stench to lose his own :
But, faithful to the track, th' unerring hounds
With peals of echoing vengeance close pursue.
And now distress'd, no sheltering covert near,
Into tlie hen roost crpcj>s, whose walls witli gore
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 187
The Huntsman should draw up the Wind.
Distain'd attest his guilt. There, villain, there
Expect thy fate deserv'd. And soon from thence
The pack inquisitive, with clamour loud,
Drag out their trembling prize ; and on his blood
With greedy transport feast." — Somervile.
I agree with Beckford that the huntsman should,
generally speaking, draw quietly, and up the wind : the
following are his observations on the subject: — "With
regard to drawing quietly, that may depend on the kind
of cover which he is drawing, and also on the season of
the year. If your covers are small, or such from which
a fox cannot break unseen, then noise can do no hurt ; if
you draw at a late hour, and when there is no drag, then
the more the cover is disturbed the better ; the more
likely you are to find. Late in the season, the foxes
are generally wild, particularly in covers that are often
hunted. If you do not draw quietly, he will get off a
long way before you : when you have any suspicion of
this, send on a whipper-in to the opposite side of the
cover, before you throw in your hounds. With regard
to the drawing up the wind, that is much more material.
You never fail to give the wind to a pointer or a setter
— why not to a hound ? — Besides the fox, if you draw
up the wind, does not hear you coming ; and your hounds,
by this means, are never out of your hearing ; moreover,
if he turns down the wind, as most probably he will, it
lets them all in."
Speaking of gentlemen who ride after hounds, the
same writer observes, that few of them are sportsmen.
" Few gentlemen, (says he) will take any pains, few of
them will stop a hound, though he should run riot close
m2
188 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
01 Riding to Hounds.
by the side of them, or will place themselves for a mo-
ment, though it be to halloo a fox ; it is true, they will
not fail to halloo if he comes in their way, and they will
do the same to as many foxes as they see. Some will
encourage hounds which they do not know ; it is a great
fault : were every gentleman who follows hounds to fancy
himself a huntsman, what noise, what confusion, would
ensue ! I consider many of them as gentlemen riding out,
knd I am never so well pleased as when I see them riding
home again. You may perhaps have thought that I
wished them all to be huntsmen. Most certainly not ;
but the more assistance a huntsman has, the better, in
all probability, his hounds will be. Good sense, and a
little observation, will soon prevent such people from
doing amiss ; and I hold it as almost an invariable rule in
hunting, that those who do not know how to do good,
are always liable to do harm : there is scarcely an instant
during the whole chase, when a sportsman ought not to
be in one particular place : and I will venture to say, that
if he is not tliere^ he might as well be in his bed." Not-
withstanding the above assertion that the more assistance
a huntsman receives the better, I am of opinion that the
huntsman should be as little interfered with as possible.
I have generally observed, that those gentlemen who are
the most busy and forward in giving advice seldom un-
derstand the business sufficiently, to render it acceptable
or pleasing. Nothing can be more obvious than the
situation in which gentlemen should place themselves
during the run, as no person but the huntsman and his
assistants should be within a certain space of the hounds :
it is true, when the scent is good, those who are not well
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 189
Of Hounds running well up to their Vox.
mounted, will not easily keep their proper places with
modern fox hoimds ; yet, by falling behind, they only
lose the delight of the chase, and cannot possibly do any
injury to the hunting of the hounds. However, it very
frequently happens, when a fox is viewed away, that
impetuous and thoughtless sportsmen are apt to ride
after him instead of following the hounds : nothing can
be more vexatious to a good sportsman than to see the
scent thus ridden over, the hounds prevented from
settling to it, and the run frequently spoiled. On bad
scenting days, fonvard sportsmen are a great plague to
the huntsman, and are highly detrimental to the sport
by riding too close upon and pressing the hounds. When
the scent is good, and the hounds have got fairly away,
there is little or nothing to fear from the sportsmen just
alluded to, as it is then seldom in their power to do any
serious mischief.
If the scent is good, hounds cannot well be pressed on
too much ; but this is the huntsman's duty, and not the
business of the gentlemen who follow the hounds. If
hounds can run well up to their fox at the commence-
ment or in the early part of the chase, there is every
reason to anticipate a satisfactory conclusion ; but if the
fox is suffered to get far a-head, he will regulate his
pace, according to circumstances, and will most likely
beat the hounds. A fox should, if possible, be blown at
first, when his death is almost sure to follow. A fox,
no doubt, like the hounds, after some time, gets second
wind, when his pace becomes well regulated and steady ;
if, at this period, he be far before the hounds, the business
m3
190 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
style of Fox Hounds running.
will be much protracted, and will most likely end in the
loss of the fox.
If, however, hounds should be pressed when the scent
is good, they should not be hurried when it is bad.
"Most fox-hunters wish to see their hounds run in a good
style. I confess I am myself one of those. I hate to see
a string of them, nor can I bear to see them creep where
they can leap. It is the dash of the fox hound which
distinguishes Mm as truly as the motto of William of
Wickham distinguishes us. A pack of harriers, if they
have time, will kill a fox ; but I defy them to kill him in
the style in which a fox ought to be killed ; they must
hunt him down. If you are to tire him out, you must
expect to be tired yourself also : I never wish a chase
to be less than one hour, or to exceed two : it is suffi-
ciently long, if properly followed." Hounds, after five
or six seasons running, frequently do more harm than
good : too many old hounds should not be kept, if the
pack are expected to run well together ; and every hound
that is off the scent, or behind the rest, should not fail
to come to a halloo.
Changing foxes is a very unpleasant occurrence ; nor
is it possible always to guard against it. " Could a fox
hound (says Beckford) distinguish a hunted fox, as the
deer hound does the deer that is blown, fox-hunting
would then be perfect." On this subject Beckford does
not seem to be well infomied : he does not seem to be
aware that this distinction arises rather fi-om the capacity
of the hound than the scent of the objects of pursuit ;
since there is every reason to believe that the scent of
the fox is stronger and more obvious than that of the
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 191
Of the Olfactory Organs of the Fox Hound.
deer. The deer hounds formerly in use were nearly
alhed to the old Talbot ; the}' possessed exquisite olfac-
tory organs, and were thus enabled to distinguish and
pursue the very scent upon which they were first laid ;
but some of the modern deer hounds, those of the Earl
of Derby, for instance, would not be able to do it, as
they have not the requisite capacity — they are high-bred
fleet hounds, (fox hounds in appearance) and could no
more distinguish the hunted deer, were another to cross
them, than the fox hound is able to recognize the scent
of a fresh fox : while it may be justly observed, that if
the fox hound possessed similar olfactory organs to those
which distinguished the stag hound of old, he would be
able to distinguish a fresh fox from the hunted fox.
Could the olfactory organs of the Talbot, or something
like them, be united with the speed of the modern fox
hoimd, fox-hunting, to use the words of Beckford,
" would then be perfect."
When hounds come to a check, there should be as
little noise as possible. At this time whippers-in are
frequently coming on with the tail hounds. Tliey should
never halloo to them when the liounds are at fault ; the
least thing is injurious at such a time ; but a halloo more
than any other. When hounds come to a check, gen-
tlemen should stop their horses some distance behind ;
they should be careful not to ride over the scent, nor
should they ever meet a hound in the face, unless with a
design to stop hun. If a gentleman at any time happen
to be before the hounds, he should turn his horse's head
the way they are going, get out of the way, and let them
pass. In dry weather foxes will sometimes run the roads :
192 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Of Fox Hoiincis coining to a Fault.
if gentlemen, at such a time, ride close upon the hounds,
they may drive them miles without any scent ; as fox
hounds are seldom inclined to stop whilst horses are
close upon them.
The first moment hoinids come to a fault is a critical
one. Gentlemen should then be very attentive. Those
who look forward may possibly see the fox ; or the move-
ments of crows, magpies, or sheep may afford some
tidings of him. A halloo may be heard, and nothing
that can give any intelhgence at such a time as this,
should be neglected : but caution is requisite in going to
a halloo. " The halloo itself must in a great measure
direct you ; and though it affords no certain rule, you
may frequently guess by it, whether it is to be depended
on or not. At the sowing time, when boys are bird
keeping, if you are not very much on your guard, their
halloo will sometimes deceive you. It is best, when you
are in doubt, to send on a whipper-in to know ; the worst
then that can befal you is the loss of a little time;
whereas, if you gallop away with the hounds to the halloo,
and are obliged to return, it is a chance if they try for
the scent afterwards : on the other hand, if you are
certain of the halloo, and intend going to it, then the
sooner you get to it the better. Huntsmen who are slow
at getting to a halloo are void of common sense. They
frequently commit ailbther fault by being in too great a
hurry when they get there. It is hardly credible how
much our eagerness is apt, at such a time, to mislead
our judgment : for instance, when we get to the halloo,
the first questions are naturally enough — Did you see
the fox ? — which way did he go ? The man points with
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 193
Of Halloos and Tired Foxes.
his finger perhaps, and then away you all ride as fast as
you can ; and in such a hurry, that not one will stay to
hear the answer which you were all so desirous of
knowing : the general consequence of which is, you
mistake the place, and are obliged to return to the man
for better information. Depend upon it the less hurry
you are in on this occasion, the less time you lose ; and
wherever the fox was seen for a certainty, whether near
or distant, that will not only be the surest, but also the
best, place to take the scent.
" Once a man hallooed us back a mile (says Beckford)
only to tell us that we were right before ; and we lost
the fox by it."
Hounds ought not to be cast as long as they are able
to hunt ; and though it is a good maxim for a fox-himter
to suppose that a hunted fox never stops, that he may
be active and lose no time, yet tired foxes must stop
somewhere ; and I once recollect observing one lying on
a dunghill, in a farm yard, amongst the pigs. He had
been run for more than one hour and a half, and the
hounds came in full cry up to a farm yard, when they
could no longer make out the scent. A gentleman posi-
tively declared that he saw the fox go through the stack
yard and make off, and was anxious that the huntsman
should proceed in that direction : the latter, however,
appeared very doubtful of the correctness of this infor-
mation, and after casting his hounds round the buildings,
became convinced that renard had not gone forward.
On examining the farm yard, he was found to have
placed himself in the midst of the pigs on the dunghill,
where he lay completely exhausted. A tired fox ought
194 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Of Cold Hunting, coming to a Check, &c.
not easily to be given up, since he has been known some-
times to lie down in cart ruts, and to get up very unex-
pectedly in the midst of the hounds.
When hounds are at cold hunting with a bad scent,
a whipper-in may be sent forward : if he can see the fox,
a little mobbing, as Beckford says, at such a time as
this, may be reasonably allowed. When hounds come
to a check on a high road, by the fox being headed back,
if, in that case the hounds are suffered to try back, it
gives them the best chance of hitting off the scent again.
When hounds are running in cover, the sportsmen
should be as quiet as possible. If renard be near his
end — if he be running short, and the hounds are catching
at him, not a word should be spoken : this is a difficult
time for hounds, as the fox is continually turning, and
will sometimes lie down, and let them pass him. A fox
is more likely to be lost, when first found, and when he
is sinking, than at any other period : at these times, he
will frequently run short, and the eagerness of the hounds
is apt to carry them beyond the scent.
In regard to halloos, it may be observed that those
who have good voices are too apt to use them. When
a fox is hallooed, those who understand the business,
and get forward, may halloo him again ; yet they should
recollect that, if the hounds go the contrary way, and do
not seem to come on upon the line of him, to halloo no
more, as it is tolerably evident he has not seen the hunted
fox, though most persons are willing to persuade them-
selves that whatever fox they see must be the hunted fox
and no other. Halloos of encouragement to the leading
liounds, if injudiciously given, are highly injurious; hut
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 195
Hounds should not be too much used to Halloos.
such halloos as get on the tail hounds, or serve to keep
the hounds together, are always useful. View halloos
are prejudicial — in a strong cover, full of foxes, for
instance — if, under such circumstances, view halloos are
frequently given, hounds will not take the requisite
trouble in hunting.
While hounds are running with a good scent, they
should never be taken off to go to a halloo ; but, under
other circumstances, when the fox, for instance, is a great
distance ahead, such a step may be very advisable.
When the fox persists in running his foil, the tail hounds
may be thrown in at head ; as such foxes are difficult to
kill ; and it frequently happens that, the longer you hunt
after such foxes, the further you are behind them. Such
a manoeuvre will most likely put renard out of his pace,
or off his foil ; and whenever it is resorted to, the
whipper-in should stop the pack from hunting after, and
get forward with them to the huntsman.
If hounds, however, are often used to halloos, they
will expect them, and may trust to their ears and eyes in
preference to their noses. If they are often taken from
the scent, it teaches them to shuffle, and will probably
make them slack in cover : halloos, therefore, should be
used with due circumspection, and never employed
vmnecessarily. Whilst hounds can get well on with the
scent, it is not advisable to take them off from it ; but
when they are stopped for want of it, in such case it
cannot be wrong to assist them as much as possible.
Hounds should not be suffered to hunt after other
hounds that are gone on with the scent, since they are
not likely to get up with a worse scent. Besides, it makes
196 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Of Fox Hounds being left to themselves.
them tie on the scent, to run dog, and destroys that most
essential quality in the fox hoimd, an eagerness to get
forward. If the head hounds happen to get away from
the huntsman, he should sink the wind with the rest of
the pack, in order to reach the leading hounds as soon
as possible : when, however, a single hound is gone on
with the scent, it is best to send forward a whipper-in to
stop him ; were the pack to be taken off the scent to get
to him, and he should no longer have any scent when
they reach him, it is very hkely the fox would be lost by it.
Skirting is a bad quality either in men or dogs. Those
sportsmen who skirt to save their horses or themselves,
are very liable to head the fox. " I cannot (says Beck-
ford) subscribe to the doctrine that a pack of fox hounds,
if left to themselves, would never lose a fox ;" yet it is
probable that if fox hounds were left to themselves, they
would miss few foxes. There are, in every pack, line
himting hounds that will not come on but with the scent —
they perseveringly proceed on the line of the fox ; the
brilliant running hounds are perfectly aware of this cir-
cumstance, as when their impetuosity has hurried them
beyond the scent, they lean as naturally as possible to
the line hunting hounds, and thus recover it. If, how-
ever, foxes would seldom be missed by hounds, if left to
themselves, the run would generally be tedious, and the
foxes would be killed in a style inconsistent with the
spu'it of the diversion. When the scent is good, fox
hounds require but little assistance from the huntsman,
nor are the most eager horsemen able to accomplish
much mischief; but when the atmosphere is unfavour-
able, hounds, by imprudent sportsmen, are often hurried
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 197
Change of Country injurious to Hounds.
beyond the scent ; while the steam, issuing in vokimes
from the horses, mixed with the hounds, must be highly
prejudicial to the sport.
If covers are much disturbed, foxes will be in a state
of alarm, and will break as soon as they hear a hound,
and sometimes before. Such foxes seldom return ; and
if you can get well away with one, a good run will most
likely follow. On such occasions a whipper-in should be
posted to halloo one away, upon which the hoimds
should be immediately laid.
Hounds should be as little used to change of country
as possible. Should they change from a good scenting
country to a bad one, they will most likely be some time
without killing a fox. Hounds have a decided advantage
in a country with which they are familiar : they know
where to find their game ; and they will pursue more
eagerly when it is found.
Beckford says, " no good country should be hunted
after February ; nor should there be any hunting at all
after March. Spring hunting is sad destruction of foxes :
in one week you may destroy as many as would have
shewn you sport during a whole season. We killed a
bitch fox one morning, with seven young ones, which
were all alive : I can assure you we missed them very
much the next year, and had many blank days, which
we need not have had, but through our own fault. If
you should hunt late in the season, you should at least
leave your terriers behind you." Fox-hunting, however,
is seldom given up till the middle or latter end of Ajn-il,
and in some places it is customary to kill a May fox.
With regard to the bitch fox just mentioned, had she
198 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Injurious Consequences of late Hunting.
been killed at an early period of the season, it would have
produced precisely the same effect, though the mischief
would have been less obvious. When bitch foxes are
heavy (in a state of gestation) they are very ill calculated
to stand up before hounds : however, the death of such
may, with proper management, be generally avoided.
But I am no advocate for late hunting ; nor indeed are
hounds able to hunt in hot weather, neither are horses
able to follow them. In 1825, the month of April, or at
least the greater part of it, was remarkably warm: I
recollect, on this occasion, one of the best packs in Eng-
land (Sir Harry Mainwaring's) being unable to hunt. I
would never have a single fox unnecessarily destroyed.
Huntsmen are anxious for a great display of foxes'
heads — to kill so many brace — but they should never be
suffered to commit miu'der.
" I told you, (says Beckford) I believe, at the begin-
ning of our correspondence, that I disliked bag foxes ;
I shall now tell you what my objections to them are : —
the scent of them is different from that of other foxes :
it is too good, and makes hounds idle ; besides, in the
manner in which they are generally turned out, it makes
hounds very wild. They seldom fail to know what you
are going about before you begin, and if often used to hunt
bag foxes, will become riotous enough to run any thing.
A fox that has been confined long in a small place, and
carried out afterwards many miles perhaps, in a sack,
his own ordure hanging about him, must needs stink
extravagantly. You are also to add to this account,
that he most probably is weakened for want of his natural
food and usual exercise ; his spirit broken by despair.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 199
Of Bag Foxes and Breeding Cubs.
and his limbs stiffened by confinement : he then is turned
out in open ground, without any point to go to. He
runs down the wind, it is true ; but he is so much at a
loss all the while, that he loses a deal of time in not
knowing what to do ; while the hounds, who have no
occasion to hunt, pursue as closely as if they were tied
to him. If, notwithstanding these objections, you still
choose to turn one out, turn him into a small cover, give
him what time you judge necessary, and lay on your
hovmds as quietly as you can ; and^ if it be possible, let
them think they find him. If you tiu'n out a fox for
])lood, I should, in that case, prefer the turning him into
a large cover, first drawing it well, to prevent a change.
The hounds should then find themselves ; and the sooner
he is killed the better. Fifteen or twenty minutes is as
long as I should ever wish a bag fox to run, that is de-
signed for blood : the hounds should then go home.
" Bag foxes always run down the wind : such sports-
men, therefore, as choose to turn them out, may at the
same time choose what country they shall run. Foxes
that are found, do not follow this rule invariably. Strong
earths and large covers are great inducements to them,
and it is no inconsiderable wind that will keep them from
them.
" If you breed up cubs, you will find a fox court neces-
sary : they should be kept there till they are large enough
to take care of themselves. It ought to be open at the
top and walled in. I need not tell you that it must be
every way well secured, and particularly the floor of it,
which must be either bricked or paved. A few boards
fitted to the corners will also be of use to shelter and to
500 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Of Breeding and Rearing Cubs.
hide them. Foxes ought to be kept very clean, and have
plenty of fresh water : birds and rabbits are their best
food : horse flesh might give them the mange ; for they
are subject to this disorder.
'^ I have kept foxes too long : I also have turned them
out too young. The safest way, I believe, will be to
avoid either extreme. When cubs are bred in an earth
near you, if you add two or three to the number, it is
not improbable that the old fox will take care of them.
Of this you may be certain, that if they live they will be
good foxes ; for the others will show them the country.
Those which you turn into an earth should be regularly
fed. If they are once neglected, it is probable they will
forsake the place, wander away, and die for want of food.
When the cubs leave the earth (which they may soon do)
your gamekeeper should throw food for them in parts
of the cover where it may be most easy for them to find
it ; and when he knows their haunt, he should continue
to feed them there. Nothing destroys so much the
breed of foxes, as buying them to turn out ; unless care
is taken of them afterwards.
" Your country being extensive, probably it may not
be all equally good : it may be worth your while, there-
fore, to remove some of the cubs from one part of it into
the other : it is what I frequently do myself, and find it
answer. A fox court, therefore, is of great use : it
should be airy, or I would not advise you to keep them
long in it. I turned out one year ten brace of cubs,
most of which, by being kept till they were tainted before
they were turned out, were found dead in the covers,
with scarce any hair upon them : whilst a brace, which
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 201
Of Diseased or Mangy Cubs.
had made their escape by making a hole in the sack in
which they Mere brought, lived, and showed excellent
sport. If the cubs are large, you may turn them out
immediately : — a large earth will be the best for that pur-
pose, where they shovdd l)e regularly fed with rabbits,
birds, or sheep's henges, whichever you can most con-
veniently get. I believe, when a fox is once tainted, he
never recovers it. The weather being remarkably hot,
those that I kept irrmy fox court (which at that time
was a very close one) all died, one after the other, of the
same disorder.
" Where rabbits are plentiful, iiature will soon teach
them how to catch the young ones ; and, till that period
of abundance arrives, it may be necessary to provide
food for them. Where game is scarce, wet weather will
be most favourable to them : they can then live on bee-
tles, chaffers, worms, &c. which they will find great
plenty of. I think the morning is the best time to turn
them out : if turned out in the evening, they will be more
likely to r;imble ; but if turned out early, and fed on the
earth, I think there is little doubt of their remaining
there. I also recommend to you to turn them into large
covers and strong earths: out of small earths they are
more liable to be stolen, and from small covers are more
likely to wander away. Your gamekeepers, at this time
of the year, having little else to do, may feed and take
care of them. When you stop any of these earths, re-
member to have them opened again, as I have reason to
think I lost some young foxes one year by not doing it.
For your own satisfaction, put a private mark on every
fox which you turn out, tbat you may know him again.
N
'202 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Purchasing Foxes condemned.
Your cvibs, though they may get off from the covers
where they were bred, when hunted, will seldom fail to
return to them.
" Gentlemen who buy foxes do great injury to fox-
hunting : they encourage the robbing of neighbouring
hunts ; in which case, without doubt, the receiver is as
bad as the thief. It is the interest of every fox-hunter
to be cautious how he behaves in this particular: indeed,
I believe most gentlemen are so ; %nd it may be easy to
retaliate on such as are not. I am told, that in some
hunts it is the constant employment of one person to
watch the earths at the breeding time, to prevent the
cubs from being stolen. Furze covers cannot be too
much encouraged, for that reason ; for there they are
safe. They have also other advantages attending them :
they are certain places to find in : foxes cannot break
from them unseen ; nor are you so liable to change as in
other covers.
" With respect to the digging of foxes that you run
to ground, — what I myself have observed in that busi-
ness I will endeavour to recollect. My people usually,
I think, follow the hole, except when the earth is large,
and the terriers have fixe'd the fox in an angle of it ; for
they then find it a more expeditious method to sink a
pit as near to him as they can. You should always keep
a terrier in at the fox ; for if you do not, he not only may
move, but also, in loose ground, may dig himself further
in. In digging, you should keep room enough ; and
care should be taken not to throw the earth whence you
may have to move it again. In following the hole, the
surest way not to lose it is to keep below it. — When
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 203
Of Digging Foxes.
your hounds are in v\ ant of blood, stop all the holes, lest
the fox should bolt out unseen. It causes no small eon-
fusion when this happens. The hounds are dispersed
about, and asleep in different places : the horses are
often at a considerable distance ; and many a fox, by
taking advantage of this favoiu'able moment, has saved
his life.
" If hounds are in want of blood, and they have had
a long run, it is the best way, without doubt, to kill the
fox upon the earth ; but if they have not run long, if
the fox is easy to be digged, and the cover is such a one
as they are not likely to change in, it does the hounds
more good to turn him out upon the earth, and let
them work for him. It is the blood that will dp them
most good, and may be serviceable to the hounds, to
the horses, and to yourself. Digging a fox is cold
work, and may i*equire a gallop afterwards to warm you
all again. Before you do this, if there are any other
earths in the cover, they should be stopped, lest the
fox should go to ground again.
" Let your huntsman try all around, and let him be
perfectly satisfied that the fox is not gone on, before you
try an earth : for want of this precaution, I dug three
hours to a terrier that lay all the time at a rabbit : there
was another circumstance which I am not likely to forget,
— ' that I had twenty miles to ride home afterwards.'
A fox sometimes runs over an earth, and does not go
into it : he sometimes goes in, and does not stay : he
may find it too hot, or may not like the company he
meets with there. 1 make no doubt that he has good
204 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Mciliod of Drawing a Fox.
reasons for every tiling he does, though we are not
always acquainted with them.
" Huntsmen, when they get near the fox, will some-
times put a hound in to draw him. This is, however, a
cruel operation, and seldom answers any other purpose
than to occasion the dog a bad bite, the fox's head gene-
rally being towards him ; besides, a few minutes digging
will make it unnecessary. If you let the fox first seize
your whip, the hound will draw him more readily.
" You should not encourage badgers in your woods :
they make strong earths, which will be expensive and
troublesome to you to stop, or fatal to your sport if
you do not. You, without doubt, remember an old
Oxford toast :
" Hounds stouf, and horses healthy,
Earths welt slopj/d, and foxes plenty.
All certainly very desirable to a fox-hunter; yet I
apprehend the earths stopped to be the most necessary ;
for the others, without that, would be useless. Besides,
I am not certain that earths are the safest places for
foxes to breed in ; for frequently, when poachers cannot
dig them, they will catch the young foxes in trenches,
dug at the mouth of the hole, which I believe they call
timning them. A few large earths near to your house
are certainly desirable, as they will draw the foxes thither,
and, after a long day, will sometimes bring you home.
" If foxes are bred in an earth which you think unsafe,
yovi had better stink them out : that, or indeed any dis-
turbance at the mouth of the hole, Avill make the old one
carry them off to another place.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 205
OfTcrriers best suited lor l'"ox Huntiii;:.
" In open countries, foxes, when they are much dis-
turbed, will lie at earth. If you have difficulty in finding,
stinking the earths will sometimes produce them again.
The method which I use to stink an earth is as follows : —
Three pounds of sulphur and one pound of assafoetida
are boiled up together ; matches are then made of brown
paper, and lighted in the holes, which are afterwards
stopped very close. Earths that are not used by badgers
may be stopped early, which will answer the same pur-
pose ; but where badgers frequent it would be useless,
as they would open them again.
" Badgers may be caught alive in sacks, placed at the
mouth of the hole : setting traps for them would be
dangerous, as you might catch your foxes also. They
may be caught by stinking them out of a great earth,
and afterwards following them to a smaller one, and
digging them.
"lour country requires a good terrier. I should
prefer the black or white terrier : some there are so like
a fox, that awkward people frequently mistake one for
the other. If you like terriers to run with your pack,
large ones, at times, are useful ; but in an earth they do
but little good, as they cannot always get up to the fox.
You had better not enter a young terrier at a badger :
young terriers have not the art of shifting like old ones ;
and, if they are good for any thing, most probably will
go up boldly to him at once, and get themselves most
terribly bitten : for this reason, you should enter them
at young foxes when you can.
" Besides the digging of foxes, by which method many
young ones are taken and old ones destroyed, traps, &c.
N li
206 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Fox Hunting superior to all other Diversions.
too often are fatal to tliem. Farmers, for their lambs
(which, by the bye, few foxes ever kill), gentlemen for
their game, and old women for their poultry, are their
inveterate enemies.
" Fox-hunting, an acquaintance of mine says, is only
followed because you can ride hard, and do less harm in
that than in any other hunting. There may be some
truth in the observation; but to such as love the riding-
part only of hunting, would not a trail scent be much
more suitable ? Gentlemen who hunt for the sake of a
ride, who are indifferent about the hounds, and know
little of the business, if they do no harm, it is to the full
as much as we have reason to expect from them ; while
those of a contrary description do good, and have much
greater pleasure. Such as are acquainted with the
hounds, and can at tunes assist them, find the sport
more interesting, and frequently have the satisfaction to
think that they themselves contribute to the success of
the day. My spirits are always good after good sport in
hunting ; nor is the rest of the day ever disagreeable to
me afterwards. What are other sports compared with
this, which is all enthusiasm ! Fishing is, in my opinion,
a dull diversion ; shooting, though it admits of a com-
panion, does not allow of many : both therefore may be
considered as selfish and solitary amusements compared
with hunting ; to which as many as please are welcome.
The one might teach patience to a philosopher ; and the
other, though it occasions great fatigue to the body,
seldom affords much occupation to the mind. Whereas,
fox-hunting is a kind of warfare ; its uncertainties, its
fiitigues, its difficulties, and its dangers, rendering it
interesting above all other diversions."
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 207
Of Hare Hunting.
It has of late been much the fashion for gentlemen to
perform the office of huntsman to their own pack : I see
no objection to such a system, if they will take the
necessary trouble for that })urpose, which I am inclined
to think is not always the case.
CHAPTER VHI.
Of Hare Hunting. — The Opinion of a Sportsman of
the last Century upon this Subject. — The Hounds best
calculated for Hare Hunting. — Of the Huntsman
and Whipjier-iti to a Pack of Harriers. — Hare
Finders. — The Doubles of the Hare. — Warren
Hares. — Pedestrian Sportsmen. — Of Music and
Speed.
From what has been said in the preceding pages of
this work, it will easily be perceived that fox-hunting
stands pre-eminent in my estimation ; however, there are
those who entertain a different opinion, and prefer the
chase of the hare to the pursuit of the fox : a writer,
known by the denomination of the " Country Scjuire,"
who published his notions on the subject of hunting in
the year 11 AS, tlni.s expresses himself:-
208 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
An old Sportsman's Opinion
" There is certainly something noble and heroic in
hunting the wild boar, the tiger, and the lion ; but we
inhabit an island wherein art and activity are more
requisite to the huntsman than strength of body, and
where safety must compensate for the want of glory.
" The principal games of Great Britain are the deer,
the fox, the hare, the otter, the badger, and martin ;
though the three last of these would hardly deserve the
honour of being hunted, were they not in season in the
spring of the year, when the poor hare ought to be in
peace to mviltiply her species, and were not our young
gentlemen contented to play at a small game rather than
stand idle.
"There are authors before me on this subject, who
have with accurate judgment and great learning described
the pursuit after each of the animals above mentioned,
and been so particular as to lay down at large the terms
of art, the ways of finding, recovering, and taking each
distinct species ; as well as the kinds and marks of the
dogs proper to be chosen for the different games ; to
such therefore I refer my readers, it being my design to
repeat very little of other men's labours, and not to
enlarge on topics that every green coat officer under-
stands, or at least pretends to do it, better than myself.
*' The stag, I confess, is a noble prize ; and as the taking
it requires a large pack of dogs, the very best of horses,
and a great expence, to the nobility and men of noble
estates I have long since resigned it. The pursuit after
the fox is also violent, and fit rather for those youthful
heroes who glory in breaking the hearts of their horses,
and venturinff their own necks. The fliffht of these two
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 209
of Hare Hunting.
animals is swift, and (though they make some few heads
and turnings) most commonly in straight lines towards a
place of refuge at some distance. The scent they leave
is generally so high, that the pack (though ever so w'ell
matched) is forced to folloAV after two or three strong-
winded leaders in a straggling yelping string, and the
horsemen are cast, though ever so well mounted: by
this means the music is broken, the art of the huntsman
of little use, and the pleasure of those who designed to
be spectators, dwindles into enquiries — which way went
the dogs ? However, as these games afford an oppor-
tunity to our generous youth to shew their courage, to
boast of the performance of themselves and their horses,
and to excel one another in feats of activity ; as the pre-
servation of lambs or geese is an act of charity to the
honest farmer ; and as a venison pasty is a savoury orna-
ment to my lady's table, I would by no means depreciate
the triumphs obtained by our gallant Nimrods in the
conquest of such beasts.
" Yet I hope for pardon from my more sprightly
brethren, if I give my vote for the innocent hare above
all other game. The transports of every mortal breast
at the sight of that little quadruped is no less amazing
than unaccountable, and has often made me inclined to
imagine she has some^hidden mechanical attractive power
over man as well as beast : whatever it be, it ought to be
a constant motive of gratitude to the indulgent Creator,
that has furnished us with this physic, so delicious to
the taste, as well as salutary in effect. Let the philo-
sopher, the grave Stoic himself, be present at the tracing
and unravelling the morning walk, and see this subtle
210 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
The Doubles, &c. of the Hare.
absconding creature suddenly starting in view of the
whole cry, and he shall feel a passion that all his affected
apathy cannot cover, that all his most lucky discoveries
could never equal ! Let the most morose and incredu-
lous sceptic suffer himself to be persuaded to ride the
chase, or but to stand on an eminence and observe the
perplexing shifts and wiles of the flyer and the pursuers,
and he must be convinced that God's providence is over
all his works, that the minutest and vilest part of the
creation have been the care and contrivance of infinite
wisdom. The swiftness and subtilty of this incom-
parable creature demonstrate that she was made to give
us pleasure, with purpose to tempt us into the wholesome
fields : the doubles and indentures she is perpetually
making, argues a design in their great Creator that every
hound should come in to bear a part of the chorus — that
each should have an opportunity of shewing his acute-
ness and policy in the pursuit ; and the tours and rings
she naturally traverses and repeats over the same ground,
gives an advantage to every one of the company to enjoy
their share, even old men and maidens.
** The chase after the fox or stag is violent, and little
more than riding and running ; but the hare displays the
very art of hunting — she affords a pleasure worthy of a
philosopher— a curiosity that may justly raise the admi-
ration of the wisest statesman, physician, or divine. Let
the most learned and inquisitive naturalist dissect the
carcase of this feeble animal, let him carefully trace every
sinew and muscle, let him note the smallness of her head
and neck, the fullness and prominency of her eyes, the
leanness of her shoulders, the depth of her chest, the
HUNTING DIRECTORY 211
Every Hare has her particular Play.
largeness of her heart and lungs, the strength of her
joints, the hardness of her little bones, the firm braces
of her back, the slenderness of her belly, the portable
shape of her paps or udders, the measure of her ears,
the firmness of her gaskins, the superior length of her
hinder legs, the obscurity of her colour, and the inimi-
table contexture of her feet ; and let him then declare
the causes and ends of this wonderful formation; let
him dare to say she could have been formed better in
any one part to qualify her for lying hid in her form, for
nimbleness of flight, for holding out against her foes, or
for giving pleasure to man.
" We must never forget that every hare (as we say of
fencers) has her particular play ; that, however, that
play is occasionally changed, according to the variation
of wind and weather, the weight of the air, the nature of
the ground, and the degree of eagerness with which she
is pursued. Nor are we to be unmindful of the numerous
accidents she may meet in her way, to turn her out of
her course, to cover her flight, to quicken her speed, or
to furnish her with an opportunity for new devices. I
say, it is not enough to have a general knowledge of
these things before the game is started ; but in the heat
of action (when we are most tempted to be in raptures,
with the sound of the horns, the melody of the cry, and
the expectation of success) we must carry them in our
heads ; every step we make we must calmly observe the
alterations of the soil, the position of the wind, the time
of the year ; and no less take notice with what speed she
is driven — how far she is before — to what place she
tends — whether she is likely to keep on forward, or to
212 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Individual Character of the Hounds.
turn short behind — whether she has not been met by
passengers, frighted by curs, intercepted by sheep —
whether an approaching storm, a I'ising wind, a sudden
blast of the sun, the going off of a frost, the repetition
of foiled ground, the decay of her own strength, or any
other probable turn of affairs, has not abated or altered
the scent. There are other things still no less necessary
to be remembered than the former : as, the particular
quality and character of each dog — whether the present
leaders are not apt to overrun it — which are most in-
clined to stand on the double — which are to be depended
upon in the highway, on the ploughed ground, or a bare
turf, in an uncertain scent, in the crossing of fresh game,
through a flock of sheep, upon the foil or stole-back.
The size also and strength of the hare will make a dif-
ference ; nor must the hounds themselves be followed so
closely, or so loudly cherished when fresh and vigorous,
as after they have run off their speed and mettle, and
begin to be tired.
" I would advise a young huntsman, when the scent
lies well, always to keep himself pretty far behind : at
such a time (especially if it be against the wind) it is
impossible for the poor hare to hold it forward ; nor has
she any trick or refuge for her life, but to stop short by
a way or path, and, when all are past, to steal immedi-
ately back, which is often the occasion of an irrecoverable
fault, in the midst of the warmest sport and expectations,
and is the best trick the poor hare has for her life in
scenting weather. Whereas, if the huntsman were not •
too forward, he would have the advantage of seeing her
steal off, and turniiig her aside ; or more probably the
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 213
Harriers should be well matched in Speed.
pleasure of the clogs returning, and thrusting her up in
view.
*' It is very common for the fleet dog to be the great
favourite, though it would be much better if he were
hanged or exchanged. Be a dog in his own nature
never so good, yet he is not good in that pack that is too
slow for him. There is at most times work enough for
every one of the train, and every one ought to bear his
part : but this it is impossible for the heavy ones to do,
if they are run out of breath by the unproportionable
speed of a light-heeled leader ; for it is not enough that
they are able to keep up, (which a true hound will labour
hard for) but they must be able to do it with ease, with
retention of breath and spirits, and with their tongues at
command. It must never be expected that the inden-
tures of the hai-e can be well covered, or her doubles
struck oft", (nor is the sport worth a farthing) if the har-
riers run yelping in a long string, like deer or fox hounds.
" Another thing I would advise my friends, is to hang
up every liar and chanter, not spai'ing even those that
are silly and trifling, without nose or sagacity. It is
common enough in numerous kennels, to keep some for
their music or beauty ; but this is perfectly wrong. It
is a certain maxim, that every dog that does no good,
does a great deal of hurt : they serve only to foil the
ground, and confound the scent ; to scamper before, and
interrupt their betters in the most difficult points. And
I may venture to affirm (by long experience) that four
or five couple, all good and trusty, will do more execu-
tion than thirty or forty, where a third of them are eager
and headstrong, and (like coxcombs among men) noisy
in doing nothing.
214 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
The Hare should be fairly hunted.
" Above all, I abhor joining with strangers ; for that
is the way to spoil and debauch the staunchest hunters —
to turn the best mettled into mad-headed gallopers, liars,
and chatterers ; and to put them on nothing but outrun-
ning their rivals, and overrunning the scent. The emu-
lation of leading (in dogs and their masters) has been the
utter ruin of many a good cry. Nor are strange huntsmen
of much better consequence than strange companions ;
for as the skill and excellence of these animals consist
in use and habit, they should be always accustomed to
the same voice, the same notes or hallooings, and the
same terms of chiding, cherishing, pressing, or recalling ;
nor should the country fellows be allowed in their tran-
sports to extend their throats.
" It will be taken ill if I should also speak against a
change of game ; because mere Squires would be at a
great loss to kill some of their time, had they nothing to
kill when hares are out of season. However, I am well
satisfied, that the best harriers are those that know no
other. Nor is it advisable to let them change for a fresh
hare, as long as they can possibly follow the old ; nor to
take off their noses from the scent they are upon, for
the cutting shorter or gaining of ground. This last is
a common trick with pot-hunters ; but as it is unfair and
barbarous to the hare, so you will seldom find it of ad-
vantage to the hounds."
"By inclination (says Beckford) I was never a hare-
hunter : I followed this diversion merely for air and exer-
cise ; and if I could have persuaded myself to ride on
the turnpike road to the three-mile stone and back again,
I should have thought I had no need of a pack of har-
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 215
Number of the Pack.
riers. Excuse me, brother hare-hunters ! I mean not
to offend ; I speak only of the country where I live.
The hare-hunthig there is so bad, that, did you know
it, your wonder would be how I could have persevered
in it so long, not that I should forsake it now. I respect
hunting, in whatever shape it appears : it is a manly and
a wholesome exercise, and seems by nature designed to
be the amusement of a Briton.
" You ask, how many hounds a pack of harriers should
consist of? and what kind of hound is best suited to that
diversion ? You should never, I think, exceed twenty
couple in the field ; it might be difficult to get a greater
number to run well together, and a pack of harriers
cannot be complete if they do not : besides, the fewer
hounds you have, the less you foil the ground, which
you otherwise would find a great hindrance to your
hunting. Your other question is not easily answered :
the hounds, I think, most likely to show you sport, are
between the large slow-hunting harrier and the littleyb.f
beagle :* one is too dull, too heavy, and too slow : the
• Fox Beagle. — In this place, Beckford does not appear sufficiently
explicit. Hounds may be divided into three classes, viz. the Talbot, the
Southern Hound, and the Beagle. Fox hounds have a portion of the
blood of the first or second, or both ; but the beagle, 1 am inclined to
tliink, would seldom, if ever, be resorted to for the same purpose. The
beagle is the smallest of the hound tribe, with short legs and of an elon-
gated form, and calculated for the pursuit of the hare. 7he genuine
Beagle may be regarded as the dwarf Talbot : like the latter, he has a very
capacious head and large pendant ears, and, like the latter also, he is re-
markable for tenderness of nose, and deep, sonorous music : the genuine
Beagle has, it is true, undergone some alterations in his form : he lias been
rendered lighter and more fleet, his head has been compressed, and his nose
216 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
The Hound best calculated for Hare Hunting.
other, too lively, too light, and too fleet. The first, it
is true, have most excellent noses, and I make no doubt
will kill their game at last, if the day be long enough ;
but you know the days are short in winter, and it is bad
hunting in the dark. The others, on the contrary, fling
and dash, and are all alive ; but every cold blast affects
them ; and if your country is deep and wet, it is not im-
possible but some of them may be drowned. My hounds
were a cross of both these kinds, in which it was my en-
deavour to get as much bone and strength in as small a
compass as possible. It was a difficult undertaking. I
bred many years, and an infinity of hounds, before I
could get what I wanted : I, at last, had the pleasure to
see them very handsome ; small, yet very bony : they
ran remarkably well together ; ran fast enough ; had all
the alacrity you could desire ; and would hunt the coldest
scent.
" It may be necessary to unsay, now I am turned hare-
hunter again, many things I have been saying as a fox-
hunter ; as I hardly know any two things of the same
genus (if I may be allowed the expression) that differ so
entirely. What I said in a former letter, about the
huntsman and whipper-in, are among the number : as to
the huntsman, I think, he should not be young : I should
most certainly prefer one, as the French call it, cVun
certain age, as he is to be quiet and patient ; for patience,
rendered more pointed and sharp ; and he has thus exhibited (as indeed
must be the case) inferior organs of smell, and a harsh and less musical
voice : yet, under any circumstances, the beagle could never be calculated
for the pursuit of the fox ; it would therefore appear that the term /ox
engfe is not well applied to this little liound.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 217
Much Noise and Rattle inconsistent witli Hare Hunting.
he should be a very Grizzle ; and the more quiet he is,
the better. He should have infinite perseverance ; for
a hare should never be given up whilst it is possible to
hunt her : she is sure to stop, and therefore may always
be recovered.
*' The whipper-in also ha§ little to do with the one I
before described : yet he may be like the second whip-
per-in to a pack of fox hounds ; the stable boy who is
to follow the huntsman : but I would have him still more
confined, for he should not dare even to stop a hound,
or smack a whip, without the huntsman's order. Much
noise and rattle is directly contrary to the first principles
of hare-hunting, which is to be perfectly quiet, and to
let your hounds alone. I have seen few hounds so good
as town packs, that have no professed huntsman to follow
them. If they have no one to help them, they have at
the same time no one to spoil them ; which, I believe,
for this kind of hunting, is still more material. I should,
however, mention a fault I have observed, and which
such hounds must' of necessity sometimes be guilty of,
that is, running back the heel. Hounds are naturally
fond of scent ; if they cannot carry it forward, they will
turn, and hunt it back again : hounds that are left to
themselves make a ftiult of this, and it is, I think, the only
one they commonly have. Though it is certainly best
to let your hounds alone, and thei*eby to give as much
scope to their natural instinct as you can ; yet in this
particular instance you should check it mildly ; for as it
is almost an invariable rule in all hunting to make the
head good, you should encoin-age tlicm to try forward
first; which may ho done without taking them oif their
o
218 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Harriets sliould lie kept to their own Game.
noses, or without the least prejudice to their hunting.
If trying forward should not succeed, they may then be
suffered to try back again, which you will find them all
ready enough to do ; for they are sensible how far they
brought the scent, and where they left it.
" Harriers, to be good, like all other hounds, must be
kept to their own game. If you run fox with them, you
spoil them. Hounds cannot be perfect unless used to
one scent, and one style of hunting. Harriers run fox
in so different a style from hare, that it is of great dis-
service to them when they return to hare again. It
makes them wild, and teaches them to skirt. The high
scent Vv^hich a fox leaves, the straightness of his running,
the eagerness of the pursuit, and the noise that generally
accompanies it, all contribute to spoil a harrier.
" I hope you agree with me, that it is a favdt in a pack
of harriers to go too fast ; for a hare is a little timorous
animal, that we cannot help feeling some compassion for,
at the very time when we are pursuing her destruction :
we sliould give scope to all her little tricks, nor kill her
foully and overmatched. Instinct instructs her to make
a good defence, when not unfairly treated ; and I will
venture to say, that, as far as her own safety is concerned,
she has more cunning than the fox, and makes many
shifts to save her life, far beyond all his r.rlifice. Without
doubt, you have often heard of hares, who, from the
miraculous escapes they have made, have been thought
ivitches ; but, I believe, you never heard of a fox that
had cunning enough to be thought a wizard.
" They who like to rise early have amusement in seeing
the hare trailed to her form ; it is of areat service to
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 219
Of Hare Finders and Chopping Hares.
hounds ; it also shows their goodness to the huntsman
more than any other hunting, as it discovers to him those
who have the most tender noses. But, I confess, I seldom
thought it worth while to leave my bed a moment sooner
on that account. I always thought hare-hunting should
be taken as a ride after breakfast, to get us an appetite
to our dinner. If you make a serious business of it, I
think you spoil it. Hare-finders, in this case, are neces-
sary : it is agreeable to know where to go immediately
for your diversion, and not beat about for hours perhaps
before you find. It is more material, I think, with re-
gard to the second hare than the first : for if you are
warmed with your gallop, the waiting long in the cold
afterwards is, I believe, as unwholesome as it is disagree-
able. Whoever does not mind this, had better let his
hounds find their own game ; they will certainly hunt it
with more spirit afterwards, and he will have a pleasure
himself in expectation, which no certainty can ever give.
Hare-finders make hounds idle ; they also make them
wild. Mine knew the men as well as I did myself; could
see them almost as far, and would run full cry to meet
them. Hare-finders are of one great use : they hinder
your hounds from chopping hares, which they otherwise
could not fail to do. I had in my pack one hound in
particular that was famous for it ; he would challenge on
a trail very late at noon, and had as good a knack at
chopping a hare afterwards ; he was one that liked to go
the shortest way to work, nor did he choose to take
more trouble than was necessary. Is it not wonderful
that the trail of a hare shoidd lie after so many hours,
when the scent of her dies away so soon ?
n 9
220 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Of the Pursuit
" Hares are said (I know not with what truth) to foresee
a change of weather, and to seat themselves accordingly.
This is however certain, that they are seldom found in
places much exposed to the wind. In inclosures, I think,
they more frequently are found near to a hedge than in
the middle of a field. They who make a profession of
hare finding (and a very advantageous one it is in some
countries) are directed by the wind where to look for
their game. With good eyes and nice observation, they
are enabled to find them in any weather.
" When the game is fovmd, you cannot be too quiet :
the hare is an animal so very timorous, that she is fre-
quently headed back, and your dogs are liable to overrun
the scent at every instant : it is best, therefore, to keep
a considerable way behind them, that they may have
room to turn as soon as they perceive they have lost the
scent ; and if treated in this manner, they will seldom
overrun it much. Your hounds, through the whole
chase, should be left almost entirely to themselves, nor
should they be hallooed too much : when the hare
doubles, they should hunt through those doubles ; nor
is a hare hunted fairly when hunted otherwise. They
should follow her every step she takes, as well over
greasy fallows as through large flocks of sheep ; nor
should they ever be cast but when nothing can be done
without it.
" I have already observed that a trail in the morning
is of great service to hounds, and that to be perfect they
should always find their own game ; for the method of
hare finding, though more convenient, will occasion some
vices in them, which it will be impossible to correct.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 221
of the Hare.
" Mr. Sonicrvile's authority strengthens my observa-
tion, that M'hen a hare is found, all should be quiet ; nor
should you ride near your hounds, till they are well
settled to the scent.
" Let all be hiish'd,
No clamour loud, no frantic joy l)e heard ;
Lest the wild liound run gadding o'er the plain
Untractable, nor licar ihy chiding voice."
" The natural eagerness of the hounds will, at such a
time as this, frequently carry even the best of them wide
of the scent, which too much encouragement, or pressing
too close upon them, may continue beyond all possibility
of recovery ; this should be always guarded against.
After a little while, you have less to fear : you may then
approach them nearer, and encourage them more ;
leaving, however, at all times sufficient room for them to
turn, should they overrun the scent. On high roads
and dry paths, be always doubtful of the scent, nor give
them much encouragement ; but when a hit is made on
either side, you may halloo as much as you please, nor
can you then encourage your hounds too much. A hare
generally describes a circle as she runs ; larger or less,
according to her strength, and the openness of the
country. In inclosures, and where there is much cover,
the circle is for the most part so small, that it is a constant
puzzle to the hounds. They have a Gordian knot, in
that case, ever to unloose ; and though it may afford
matter of speculation to the philosopher, it is always
contrary to the wishes of the sportsman. Such was the
country I hunted in for many years.
o3
222 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Of Running the Foil and the Doubles of the Hare.
•' Huntsman ! her gait observe : if in wide rings
She wheel her raazy way, in the same round
Persisting still, she'll foil the beaten track.
But if she fly, and, with the fav'ring wind,
Urge her bold course, less intricate tliy task ;
Push on thy pack." — Somervile.
"Besides running the foil, they frequently make
doubles, which is going forward to tread the same steps
back again, on purpose to confuse their pursuers; and
in the same manner in which they make the first double
they generally continue, whether long or short. This
information, therefore, if properly attended to by the
huntsman, may also be of use to him in his casts.
" When they make their double on a high road, or
dry path, and then leave it with a spring, it is often the
occasion of a long fault : the spring which a hare makes
on these occasions is hardly to be credited, any more
than is her ingenuity in making it ; both are wojiderful !
" ■ let cavillers deny
That brutes have reason ; sure 'lis something more :
'Tis Heav'n directs, and stratagems inspire,
Beyond the short extent of human thought." — Somervilk.
She frequently, after running a path a considerable way,
will make a double, and then stop till the hounds have
past her ; she will then steal away as secretly as she can,
and return the same way she came : this is the greatest
of all trials for hounds. It is so hot a foil, that in the
best packs there are not many hounds that can hunt it ;
you must follow those hounds that can, and try to hit
her off where she breaks her foil, which in all proba-
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 223
Ofa Check and Fault
bility she will soon do, as she now flatters herself she is
secure. When the scent hes bad in cover, she will
sometimes hunt the hounds.
The covert's utmost bound
Slily she skirts ; behind them cautious creeps,
And in that very track, so lately stain'd
By all the steaming crowd, seems to pursue
The foe she flies." — Sojis-rvilf..
Allien the hounds are at a check, make your huntsman
stand still, nor suffer him to move his horse one way or
the other : hounds lean naturally towards the scent, and
if he does not say a word to them, will soon recover it.
If you speak to a hound at such a time, calling him by
his name, which is too much the practice, he seldom
fails to look up in your face, as much as to say, what the
deuce do you want ? When he stoops to the scent
again, is it not probable he means to say, you fool you,
let me alone!
" When your hounds are at fault, let not a word be
said. In a good day, good hounds seldom give up the
scent at head ; if they do, there is generally an obvious
reason for it : this observation a huntsman should always
make : it will direct his cast. If he is a good one, he
will be attentive as he goes, not only to his hounds, nicely
observing which have the lead, and the degree of scent
they carry, but also to the various circumstances that
are continually happening from change of weather, and
difference of ground. He will also be mindful of the
distance which the hare keeps before the hounds, and
of her former doubles, and he will remark what point
224 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Of Casting Harriers.
she makes to. All these observations will be of use,
should a long fault make his assistance necessary ; and
if the hare has headed back, he will carefully observe
whether she met any thing in her course to turn her, or
turned of her own accord. When he casts his hounds,
let him begin by making a small circle : if that will not
do, then let him try a larger : he afterwards may be at
liberty to persevere in any cast he may judge most likely.
As a hare generally revisits her old haunts, and returns
to the place where she was first found, if the scent is
quite gone, and the hounds can no longer hunt, that is
as likely a cast as any to recover her. Let him remember
this in all his casts, that the hounds are not to follow his
horse's heels ; nor are they to carry their heads high,
and noses in the air. At these times they must try for
the scent, or they will never find it ; and he is either to
make his cast slow or quick, as he perceives his hounds
try, and as the scent is either good or bad.
" Give particular directions to your huntsman to
prevent his hounds, as much as he can, from chopping
hares. Huntsmen like to get blood at any rate ; and
when hounds are used to it, it would surprise you to see
how attentive they are to find opportunities. A hare
must be very wild, or very nimble, to escape them. I
remember, in a furzy country, that my hounds chopped
three hares in one morning ; for it is the nature of those
animals either to leap up before the hounds come near
them, and steal away, as it is called ; or else to lie close,
till they put their very noses upon them. Hedges also
are very dangerous : if the huntsman beats the hedge
himself, which is the usual practice, the hounds are
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 225
Babblers should not be kept
always upon the watch, and a hare must have good
hick to escape them all. The best way to prevent it, is
to have the hedge well beaten at some distance before
the hounds.
" Hares seldom rim so well as when they do not know
where they are. They run well in a fog, and generally
take a good country. If they set oiFdown the wind, they
seldom return ; you then cannot push on your hounds
too much. When the game is sinking, you will perceive
your old hounds get forward ; they then will run at
head.
" Happy the man, who with unrivall'd speed
Can pass his fellows, and with pleasure view
The struggling pack ; how in the rapid course
Alternate they preside, and jostling push
To guide the dubious scent ; how giddy youth
Oft babbling errs, by wiser age improved ;
How, niggard of his strength, the wise old hound
Hangs in the rear, till some important point
Rouse all his diligence, or till the chase
Sinking he finds j then to tlie head he springs,
With thirst of glory fired, and wins the prize."
SoMEKVILE.
Keep no babblers ; for though the rest of the pack
soon find them out, and do not mind them, yet it is un-
pleasant to hear their noise ; nor are such fit companions
for the rest.
" Keep no hound that runs false : the loss of one hare
is more than such a dog is worth.
"It is too much the custom, first to ride over a dog,
and then cry 'ware horse/ Take care not to ride over
your hoimds : I have known many a good dog spoiled ])y
HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Of Hsre Warrens
it. In open ground speak to them first ; you may after-
wards ride over them, if you please ; but in roads and
paths they frequently cannot get out of your way : it surely
then is your business either to stop your horse, or break
the way for them ; and the not doing it, give me leave
to say, is absurd and cruel ; nor can that man be called
a good sportsman who thus wantonly destroys his own
sport.
On the subject of Hare-warrens, Beckford observes : —
You wish to know how my warren-hares are caught i
" they are caught in traps, not unlike the common rat-
traps. I leave mine always at the muses, but they are
set only when hares are wanted : the hares, by thus con-
stantly going through them, have no mistrust, and are
easily caught. These traps should be made of old wood,
and even then it will be some time before they venture
through them. Other muses must be also left open,
lest a distaste should make them forsake the place. To
my warren I have about twenty of these traps ; though,
as the stock of hares is great, I seldom have occasion to
set more than five or six, and scarcely ever fail of catching
as many hares. The warren is paled in, but I found it
necessary to make the muses of brick ; that is, where
the traps are placed. Should you at any time wish to
make a hare-warren, it will be necessary for yovi to see
one first, and examine the traps, boxes, and stoppers, to
all which there are particularities not easy to be described.
Should you find the hares, towards the end of the sea-
son, shy of the traps, from having been often caught, it
will be necessary to drive them in with spaniels. Should
this be the case, von will find them very thick round the
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 227
and Warren Hares.
warren ; for the warren-hares will be unwilling to leave
it, and, when disturbed by dogs, will immediately go in.
" If you turn them out before greyhounds, you cannot
give them too much law ; if before hounds you cannot
give them too little ; for reasons which I will give you
presently. Though hares, as I told you before, never
run so well before hounds as when they do not know
where they ai-e, yet before greyhounds it is the reverse;
and your trap-hares, to run well, should always be turned
out within their knowledge : they are naturally timid,
and are easily disheartened when they have no point to
make to for safety.
" If you turn out any befoi'e your hounds (which, if
it is not your wish, I shall by no means recommend) do
not give them much time, but lay on your hounds as soon
as they are out of view : if you do not, they will very
likely stop, which is often fatal. Views are at all times
to be avoided, but particularly with trap-hares ; for, as
these know not where they are, the hounds have too
great an advantage over them. It is best to turn them
down the wind ; they hear the hounds better and seldom
turn again. Hounds for this business should not be too
fleet. These hares run straight, and make no doubles ;
they leave a strong scent, and have other objections in
common with animals turned out before hounds : they
may give you a gallop, but they will show but little
hunting. The hounds are to be hunted like a pack of
fox-hounds, as a trap-hare runs very much in the same
manner, and will even top the hedges. What I should
prefer to catching the hares in traps, would be a warren
in the midst of an open country, which might be stopped
228 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Hare Hunting favourable to Pedestrians.
close on hunting days. This would supply the whole
country with hares, which, after one turn round the
warren, would most probably run straight an end. The
number of hares a warren will supply is hardly to be
conceived : I seldom turned out less in one year than
thirty brace of trap-hares, besides a great many more
killed in the environs, of M'hich no account was taken.
My M'arren is a wood of near thirty acres : one of half
the size would answer the purpose to the full as well.
Mine is cut out into many walks ; a smaller warren should
have only one, and t/mt round the outside of it. No
dog should ever be suffered to go into it ; and traps
should be constantly set for stoats and polecats. It is
said, parsley makes hares strong ; they certainly are vei'y
fond of eating it : it therefore cannot be amiss to sow
some within the warren, as it will be a means of keeping
your hares more at home."
Hare-hunting, however, will always be a favourite
diversion with the pedestrian sportsman ; as from the
manner of running which characterises the object of
pursuit, he is enabled to witness a considerable portion
of the chase : this circumstance is thus noticed by Somer-
vile : —
" Hark ! from yon covert, where those towering oaks
Above the humble copse aspiring rise,
What glorious triumphs burst in every gale
Upon our ravish'd ears ! the hunter's shout,
The clanging horns swell their sweet winding notes,
The pack wide-opening load the trembling air
With various melody ; from tree to tree
The propagated cry redoubling bounds,
And winged zephyrs waft the floating joy
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 229
Of Harriers.
Through all the rigions near : afflictive birch
No more the school boy dreads, his prison broke,
Scampering he flies, nor heeds his master's call ;
The weary traveller forgets his road.
And climbs th' adjacent hill ; the ploughman leaves
Th' unfinish'd furrow ; nor his bleating flocks
Are now the shepherd's joy ! men, boys, and girls,
Desert th' unpeopled village ; and wild crowds
Spread o'er the plain, by the sweet frenzy seiz'd."
It has been the fashion of late years to breed harriers
with the power and speed of fox hounds, or nearly so.
I was out with a pack of this sort, in the month of Janu-
ary, 1825, They were called the Kirkham (in Lan-
cashire) harriers, and belonged to Mr. King ; and were
large, powerful, and altogether handsome hounds : they
were more than a match for a hare : I saw them kill two
brace one morning, and that too in a very short time.
Much pains had no doubt been taken in breeding them ;
for, although they were very fleet, they retained much
of the Talbot, and displayed excellent olfactory organs.
There are still to be found in some of the hilly districts
of Lancashire (and in other parts of England, for aught
I know to the contrary) harriers which partake so much
of the southern hound as to render them well calculated
for the diversion. They are not too fleet, have excellent
noses and delightful nuisic ; and such hounds I should
choose for the purpose of hare-hunting, though I am
well aware, that excellent harriers may be produced by
crossing the hounds of this description with the beagle ;
while there are many impetuous sportsmen who prefer
harriers bred as fleet as possible.
How far the union of uncommon speed and nuisic are
compatible I am somewhat doubtful: a hound, I am
230 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Of Speed and Music.
inclined to think, cannot run at the very top of his speed,
and send forth a considerable volume of music at the same
time. In the latter end of the month of February, 1825,
I was out with a pretty pack of harriers belonging to
R. Seed, Esq. in the neighbourhood of Liverpool: we
had quested for some hours, without finding, and had
every prospect of a blank day, when, about three o'clock,
a hare moved from a wheat field, in the township of
Maghull, and went away as if she meant to run. The
hounds got well settled to the scent immediately, and ran
breast high. The hare never doubled, the scent was as
good as possible, and such was the speed of the hounds
that it was not without the utmost difficulty the leading
sportsmen could keep with them. The pack ran un-
commonly well together, but were by no means so loud
and musical as usual ; and in running over some fine
grazizig ground, they became nearly mute : Pilot, one of
the pack, a dog with much of the southern blood in his
composition, who was remarkable for music, and whose
voice was generally heard above the rest, crossed a con-
siderable space without opening. In fact, I never saw
these harriers run with such speed, or make so little
noise over it. The hare ran six miles, and was killed
almost without the occurrence of a trifling check. From
this, as well as similar circumstances which I have wit-
nessed, I infer that a hound, when running at the very
extremity of his speed, cannot be very musical ; indeed,
if we reason upon the matter, we must come to the same
conclusion.
CHAPTER IX.
Stag Hunting. — Otter Hunting.
In regard to Stag Hunting, upon which I intend to
make a few observations, it has gradually given way to
the increasing cultivation of the country ; and as the
object of pvu'suit has nearly ceased to exist in a state of
unlimited freedom, this noble and princely diversion has,
of course, in a great degree subsided. Some few wild
deer are still to be met with in Ireland ; in the Highlands
of Scotland, particularly in the neighbourhood of Blair
Athol, these beautiful animals are still to be found roam-
ing at large ; in some parts of Devonshire, wild deer
may be occasionally seen : but the mode in which the
pursuit of the stag is at present conducted in this coun-
try, (with very little, if any, exception) is by taking a
semi-domesticated deer in a cart to an appointed spot,
and turning him out before the hounds. Reasonable
law is allowed him ; nor is this all ; for, if the hounds
approach too near their game, they are stopped, and the
stag allowed to get ahead again. Sometimes the animal
is sulky, and will not run ; but supposing the contrary,
and the stag goes away in gallant style, the hounds would
soon run up to him, if they were not stopped : the stag
is very soon blown, and if not allowed to get second wind,
the business of course must be over in a few minutes.
However, by repeatedly stopping the hounds, the chase
is sometimes lengtlicned to several hours, and is thus, no
232 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
stag Hunting.
doubt, highly gratifying to the stag hunter ; but would
perhaps appear like an apology for hunting in the esti-
mation of a fox hunter.
His late Majesty, George III. was very partial to stag
hunting ; but it has been remarked that if he " had ever
seen a fox well found and handsomely killed," he would
have preferred the pursuit of the fox to that of the stag :
I have no doubt such would have been the case — it could
not have been otherwise. The stag-hunting of George
III. was gorgeous and imposing, and this monarch was
very affable in the field. The late king sat tolerably
well on horseback ; yet the hounds were frequently
stopped to enable him to come up ; when they were
again suffered to proceed : a fox hunter would have
thought little of such doings ; but he would nevertheless
have been highly gratified with the pleasing familiarity
of the king. His present Majesty, George IV. does not
attend the royal hounds, though they go out regularly
by his command, and are kept up in as much style (if
not more) than they were during the life of his father.
The Earl of Derby also has an establishment for
stag-hunting ; and his lordship pursues the stag during
the season in Surrey. The hounds for the purpose have
been bred from fox hounds, and are consequently very
fleet. There are a few other stag-hunting establish-
ments in England, which, however, do not require any
particular notice in this place.
The stag-hunting of former days was a very different
business. Prior to the inclosure of the various forests,
wild deer were plentiful, and the stag at this period, in
all probability, afforded excellent runs — in fact, stag-
HUNTING DIRECTORY 2S3
Ancient Method of Stag Hunting.
hunting at that time might be regarded in the same hght
as fox-hunting is viewed at the present day, namely, as
superior to all other diversions of the field.
Of the stag-hunting of former tunes, some idea may
he formed from the following :
The huntsman rose at early morn to track the deer
to his lair, and then being sure of his game, returned
to the sportsmen ; who, we must suppose, dined at our
hour of breakfasting, and afterwards hied them to the
chase.
" I am the hunt, which rathe and earely rise,
(My botlell filde with wine in any wise)
Two draughts I drinke, to stay my steps withall,
For each foote one, because I would not fall.
Then take my hound, in liara me behind.
The stately hart in fryth or fell to find.
And whiles I seeke his slotte where he hath fedde,
The sweet byrdes sing, to cheare my drowsie head.
And when my hound doth straine upon good vent,
I must confesse, the same doth me content.
But when I hauc my couerts walkt about,
And harbred fast, the hart for comming out ;
Then I returne, to make a graue report,
Whereas I find th' assembly doth resort.
And lowe T crouch, before the lordlings all,
Out of my home, the fewmets let I fall,
And other signcs and tokens do I tell,
To make them hope, the hart may like them well.
Then they command, that 1 the wine should taste ;
So biddes mine art — and so my throat I baste.
The dinner done, I go straightwayes againe,
Vnto my markes, and shew my master plaine.
Then put my hound, vpon the view to drawe,
And rowse the hart out of his layre by lawe.
O gamsters all, a little by your leaue,
Can you such ioyes in trifling games conceaue ?
234> HUNTING DIRECTORY.
stag Hunting of Queen Elizabeth.
In 1575, when Queen Elizabeth was so magnificently
entertained by her favourite, Dudley, Earl of Leicester,
at Kenilworth Castle, hart-hunting was one of the amuse-
ments she partook of, and which a spectator thus de-
scribes : —
" The Hunting of the Hart at Fors. — Munday was
hot, and thearfore her highness kept in till a five a clok
in the eevening : what time it pleazz'd her to ride foorth
into the chace too hunt the hart of fors : which foound
anon, and after sore chased by the hot pursuit of the
hooundes, was fain of fine fors, at last to take soil. Thear
to beholld the swift fleeting of the deer afore with the
stately cariage of his head in hiz swimmyng, spred (for
the quantitee) lyke the sail of a ship : the hounds har-
loing after, az they had bin a number of skiphs too the
spoyle of a karvell : the ton no lesse eager in purchaz of
his pray, then was the other earnest in savegard of hiz
life : so az the earning of the hoounds in continuauns of
their crie, the swiftness of the deer, the running of the
footmen, the galloping of horsez, the blasting of hornz,
the hallooing and hewing of the huntsmen, with the ex-
cellent echoz between whilez from the woods and waters
in valleiz resounding; mooved pastime delectabl in so
hye a degree, az for ony parson to take pleazure by
moost sensez at onez, in mine opinion, thear can be none
ony wey comparable to this ; and speciall in this place,
that of nature is foormed so fytt for the purpose ; in feith.
Master Martin, if ye coold with a wish, I woold ye had
bin at it : wel, the hart was kild, a goodly deer, but so
ceast not the game yet.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 235
Chase of 3 Hart by Richard I.
" The Hart 2:>ardoned. — Wednsday, her majesty rode
intoo the chase, to hunting again of the hart of fors. The
deer, after his property, for refuge took the soyl ; but so
master'd by hote pursuit on al parts, that he was taken
quick in the pool : the Avatermen held him up hard by
the hed, while at her highness commaundment he lost
his earz for a raundsum, and so had pardon for lyfe."
In early times, when the king lost a stag, open pro-
clamations were made in all towns and villages, near
where the deer was supposed to remain, that no person
should kill, hunt, or chase him, that he might safely
retiu'n to the forest again ; and the foresters were or-
dered to harbour the said hart, and by degrees to bring
him back to the forest, and that deer was ever after
called, a hart royal proclaimed. Some years since an
old record remained in Nottingham Castle, stating, that
in 1194 Richard the First chased a hart from Sherwood
Forest to Barnsdale, in Yorkshire, and there lost him.
He made proclamation at Tunhill in Yorkshire, and
divers other places in the neighbourhood of Barnsdale,
that no person should chase, kill, or hunt the said deer,
that he might return to his lair in the forest of Sher-
wood.
Wliite-hart-silter, as it is called, was a heavy fine
laid on some lands, near the forest of Blackmore, Dor-
setshire : the proprietor, T. de la Lynde, a Dorsetshire
baron, in the time of Henry III. having destroyed a
white hart, which had afforded that prince much amuse-
ment, (probably had been proclaimed) : an acknoM'Iedg-
ment of which has been paid into the exchequer so late
as the reign of Elizabeth.
236 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
An extraordinary Wager.
What follows, describes a stake, upon the capture
of a deer, that perhaps neither ancient nor modern his-
tory can parallel : —
*' The St. Clairs are of Norman extraction, being de-
scended from William de St. Clair, and Margaret,
daughter of Richard, Duke of Normandy. He was
called, for his fair deportment, the seemly St. Clair, and
settling in Scotland during the reign of Malcolm Cean-
more, obtained large grants of land in Mid-lothian.
These domains were increased, by the liberality of suc-
ceeding monavchs, to the descendants of the family, and
comprehended the baronies of Rosline, Pentland, Cows-
land, Cardaine, and several others. It is said a large
addition was obtained from Robert Bruce on this occa-
sion : — The king, in following the chase upon Pentland
Hills, had often started a ' white faunch deer,' which had
always escaped from his hounds ; and he asked the
nobles, who w^ere assembled around him, whether any
of them had dogs which they thought might be more
successful. No courtier would affirm that his hounds
were fleeter than those of the king, imtil Sir William
St. Clair, of Rosline, unceremoniously said, he would
wager his head that his two favourite dogs, ' Help and
Hold,' would kill the deer before she could cross the
March-burn. The king instantly caught at his unwary
offer, and betted the forest of Pentland Moor against
the life of Sir William St. Clair. All the hounds were
tied up, except a few ratches or slow hounds, to rouse
the deer; whilst Sir William St. Clair, posting himself
in the best situation for slipping his dogs, prayed de-
voutly to Christ, thr blessed Virgin, and St. Katharine.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 237
otter Hunting.
The deer was shortly after roused, and the hounds
sHpped; Sir WiUiam following himself on a gallant steed
to cheer his dogs. The hind, however, reached the
middle of the brook, upon which the hunter threw him-
self from his horse in despau'. At this critical moment,
however, Hold stopped her in the brook; and Help,
coming up, turned her back, and killed her on Sir Wil-
liam's side. The king descended from the hill, embraced
Sir William, and bestowed on him the lands of Kirkton,
Laganhouse, Earncraig, &c. in free forestrie. Sir Wil-
liam, in acknowledgment of St. Katharine's intercession,
built the chapel of St. Katharine in the Hopes, the
chapel yard of which is still to be seen. The hill from
which Robert Bruce beheld this memorable chase is
still called the King's Hill; and the place where Sir
William hunted is called the Knight's Field."
Otter hunting, like the pursuit of the stag, is, at
present, but little followed. Of all field amusements,
otter hunting is perhaps the least interesting. Fox
hounds, harriers, or indeed any kind of hounds, will
pursue the otter ; though the dog chiefly used for the
purpose has been produced by a cross between the
southern hound and the water spaniel. Those who
have never witnessed otter hunting, may form a tolerable
notion of the business by imaging to the mind a superior
duck hunt ; though Somervile has rendered it immortal
by the follov/ing beautiful lines : —
•' The subtle spoiler of the beaver kind,
Far off perhaps, where ancient alders shade
The deep still pool ; within some hollow trunk.
Contrives his wii-ker couch : whence he surveys
P. J
238 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Somervile's Description of
His long purlieu, lord of the stream, and all
The finny shoals his own. But you, brave youths.
Dispute the felon's claim ; try every root.
And every reedy bank ; encourage all
The busy-spreading pack, that fearless plunge
Into the flood, and cross the rapid stream.
Bid rocks and caves, and each resounding shore,
Proclaim your bold defiance ; loudly raise
Each cheering voice, till distant hills repeat
The triumphs of the vale. On the soft sand
See there his seal impress'd ! and on that bank
Behold the glittering spoils, half-eaten fish,
Scales, fins, and bones, the leavings of his feast.
Ah! on that yielding sag-bed, see, once more,
His seal I view. O'er yon dark rushy marsh
The sly goose-footed prowler bends his course,
And seeks the distant shallows. Huntsman, bring
Thy eager pack, and trail him to his couch.
Hark ! the loud peal begins, the clamorous joy.
The gallant chiding, loads the trembling air. How greedily
They snufT the fishy steam, that to each blade
Rank-scenting clings. See ! how the morning dews
They sweep, that from their feet besprinkling drop
Dispers'd, and leave a track oblique behind.
Now on firm land they range; then in the flood
They plunge tumultuous ; or through reedy pools
Rustling they work their way ; no hole escapes
Their curious search. With quick sensation now
The fuming vapour stings ; flutter their hearts,
And joy redoubled bursts from every mouth
In louder symphonies. Yon hollow trunk,
That with its hoary head incurv'd salutes
The passing wave, must be the tyrant's fort,
And dread abode. How these impatient climb.
While others at the root incessant bay !
They put him down. See, there he dives along!
Th' ascending bubbles mark his gloomy way.
Quick fix the nets, and cut off his retreat
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 239
the Pursuit of the Otter.
Into the sheltering deeps ! Ah ! there he vents !
The pack plunge headlong, and protended spears
Menace destruction : while the troubled surge
Indignant foams, and all the scaly kind,
Affrighted, hide their heads. Wild tumult reigns,
And loud uproar. Ah ! there once more he vents !
See, that bold hound has seiz'd him ; down they sink
Together lost : but soon shall he repent
His rash assault. See ! there escap'd, he flies
Half drown'd, and clambers up the slippery bank
With ouze and blood distain'd. Of all the brutes.
Whether by nature form'd, or by long use,
This artful diver best can bear the want
Of vital air. Unequal is the fight,
Beneath the whelming element. Yet there
He lives not long ; but respiration needs
At proper intervals. Again he vents;
Again the crowd attack. That spear has pierc'd
His neck; the crimson waves confess the wound.
Fix'd is the bearded lance, unwelcome guest,
Where'er he flies; with him it sinks beneath,
With him it mounts; sure guide to every foe.
Inly he groans ; nor can his tender wound
Bear the cold stream. Lo ! to yon sedgy bank
He creeps disconsolate ; his numerous foes
Surround him, hounds and men. Pierc'd thro' and thro',
On pointed spears they lift him high in air:
Wriggling he hangs and grins, and bites in vain :
Bid the loud horns, in gaily warbling strains.
Proclaim the felon's fate— he dies ! he dies ! '*
CHAPTER X.
Of Scent. — Influence of the Atmosphere upon Scent. —
Is differetit in different Anhnals.
Scent is that exudation or effluvium, which is con-
stantly issuing fi'om the pores of all animal substances,
and consists of minute particles or corpuscles, which,
driven by the wind or otherwise, and coming in contact
with the olfactory nerves of the hound, enable him to
follow his game, or to continue the pursuit. Several
writers have given their opinion upon this subject, which
I shall place successively before the reader. An author,
(the Old Squire) whom I have already noticed observes :
" Above all other things, the scent has been ever my
admiration: the bulk, size, figure, and other accidents
or qualities of these parts or portions of matter that dis-
charge themselves from the bodies of these beasts of
game, are subjects much fitter for the experiments and
learned descants of a philosopher, than a simple hunts-
man. Whether they are to be considered as an extrane-
ous stock or treasure of odoriferous particles given them
by Divine Wisdom, for the very purpose of hunting?
whether they are proper identical parts of the animal's
body, that continually ferment and perspire from it?
whether these exhalations are from the breath of her
lungs, or through the skin of her whole body ? are
questions also that deserve the subtilty of a virtuoso.
But such observations as long experience has suggested
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 241
Smallncss of the Particles of Scent.
to me, I shall, in the plainest manner I am able, lay
before my readers.
** That these particles are inconceivably small, is (I
think) manifest from their vast numbers. I have taken
hundreds of hares, after a chase of two, three, four, or
live hours, and could never perceive the least difference
in bulk or weight, from those I have seized or snapt in
their forms : nor could I ever learn from gentlemen who
have hunted basket hares, that theycould discover any
visible waste in their bodies, any farther than may be
supposed to be the effect of discharging their grosser
excrements. But, supposing an abatement of two or
three grains, or drams, after so long a fatigue ; yet how
minute and almost infinite must be the division of so
small a quantity of matter, when it affords a share to so
many couple of dogs, for eight, ten, or twelve miles suc-
cessively : deducting at the same time, the much greater
numbers of those particles, that are lost in the ground,
dissipated in the air, extinguished and obscured by the
foetid perspirations of the dogs, and other animals ; or
by the very fumes and exhalations of the earth itself.
That these particles are subject to such dissipation or
corruption, every sportsman knows ; for as none of them
will retain their odour after a certain proportionable
time, so it is daily evident that this time of their duration
is very obnoxious to the vicissitudes of the weather, that
the scent of the animal (as well as her more solid flesh)
will lose its sweetness sooner or later, according to the
disposition of the ambient air. I have frequently heard
the good housewives complain that, against rain or
thunder, their milk will turn, and their larders taint ;
242 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Effect of the Atmosphere
and I have as often perceived that, a storm approaching,
the scent will in a moment change and vanish. Nor is
the suddenness of such alteration the least wonder, if
we take into consideration the smallness of the particles.
The same efficient cause may penetrate and corrupt
these minute corpuscles in the twinkling of an eye, which
requires an hour or a day to operate on bodies of greater
bulk and substance : as the same fire or aquafortis will
dissolve the filings of steel in an instant ; though a pound
lump of that same metal is so long able to resist their
violence.
" That these particles of scent are of an equal (exactly
equal) specific gravity with the particles of the air, is
demonstrated by the falling and rising of them in just
proportion to it. I have often smiled at hasty huntsmen,
to hear them rating and cursing their dogs (that yes-
terday were the best in England) for galloping and
staring with their noses in the air, as if their game was
flown ; for often does it happen that it is in vain for them
to seek after the scent in any other place, the increasing
weight of that fluid element having wafted it over their
heads. Though even at such a season, (after the first
mettle and fury of the cry is something abated) the more
steady beagles may make a shift to pick it out by the
particles left by the brush of her feet, (especially if there
be not a strong, drying, exhaling wind, to hurry these
away after the rest.) This often happens in a calm,
gentle, steady frost, when (as I conceive) the purity,
coldness, or perhaps the nitre, of the air, serves to fix
and preserve a few remaining particles, that they do not
easily corrupt. At another season, when the air is light.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 243
on Scent
or growing lighter, the scent must proportionably be
faUing or sinking ; and then every dog (though in the
heat of his courage he pushes forward, yet) is forced to
come back again and again, and cannot make any sure
advances, but with his nose on the ground. When cir-
cumstances are thus, (if there be not a storm or thunder
impending to corrupt the scent, as I said before) you
may expect the most curious and lasting sport ; puss
having then a fair opportunity to shew her wiles, and
every old or slow dog to come in for his share, to display
his experience, the subtilty of his judgment, and the
tenderness of his nostrils. The most terrible day for
the poor hare is when the air is in its mean gravity, or
cBquilihrio, tolerably moist, but inclining to grow drier,
and fanned with the gentle breezes of the zephyrs. The
moderate gravity buoys up the scent as high as the dog's
breast ; the vesicles of moisture serve as so many canals,
or vehicles, to carry the effluvia into the tubes of their
noses ; and the gentle fannings help in such wise to
spread and dissipate them, that every hound, even at
eight or ten paces distant, (especially on the windy side)
may have his proportion.
" I advise all gentlemen, who delight in hunting, to
provide themselves with a barometer, or weather glass.
I am sorry to say that this instrument (though a fine
invention) is still imperfectly understood by the philo-
sopher, as well as the farmer ; and the index generally
annexed to it of rain, fair, settled fair, ^c. are imperti-
nent and delusive. If the gravity of the air is the cause
of drought, the latter should be in proportionate degrees
with the former ; and yet we sec the sudden or extraor-
244 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Variations of tlie Barometer.
dinary rising of the mercury, a sure prognostic of an
approaching change : we see it often continue to fall
after the rain is over ; and we may generally observe the
most settled fair, and the greatest rains, both happen
when it is in a moderate height. By the accounts I
have kept, the mercury is commonly at the highest
marks in dull cloudy weather ; yet does it often fall a
great deal faster before a few drops, or a dry mist, than
an impetuous rain ; and even continue to do so after a
hard rain is over. And what is more common than to
see it descend many days together, to the terror of the
husbandman, in hay or corn harvest ; when the conse-
quence, at last, is only a few drops weighty enough to
descend, though the air was in its utmost degree of
gravity, and the mercury at thirty-one inches ? The
vulgar solutions of these difficulties are insufficient and
puzzling, and vei'y inconsistent with avowed principles ;
and, in my humble opinion, there will never appear a
certain and satisfactory account of these perplexing
phenomena, till some sage naturalist shall give himself
the trouble of a more full and complete diary than has
yet been published ; where, together with the degrees
of the barometer, thermometer, and hygrometer, shall
be taken in (in distinct columns) the time of the year,
the length of the days, the age of the moon, the situation
of the wind, with its degrees of roughness ; the colours
of the clouds at sun rising and setting ; the manner of
flying, chattering, or flocking of birds, and divers other
concurring tokens and symptoms, which may be of great
use in conjunction with the said instruments, to settle
and confirm our prognostications. In the mean time it
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 245
Uncertainty of the Weather for Hunting.
must be confessed, that this ingenious machine is of
great use to the observant huntsman : and when he rises
in a morning, and finds the air moist and temperate, the
quicksilver in his glass moderately high, or gently convex,
he has a fair invitation to prepai'e for his exercise. I
know it is the custom with our juvenile sportsmen to fix
the tmie, two or three days beforehand, to meet a friend,
or to hunt in such or such a quarter ; but appointed
matches of this kind are my aversion and abhorrence ;
he that will enjoy the pleasure of the chase, must ask
leave of the heavens. Hunting is a trade that is not to
be forced ; nor can the best cry that ever was coupled
make any thing of it, unless the air be in tune.
" The earth also hath no small influence on this deli-
cious pastime ; for though it sometimes happens (accord-
ing to the observations above) that the scent is floating,
so that you may run down a hare through water and
mire (especially if you keep pretty close after her) without
the trouble of stooping : yet, at such a season, the first
fault is the loss of your game ; the perspirations of her
body being wafted over head by the gravity of the air,
and those of her feet being left on elements that absorb
or confound them.
" This last case very often happens at the going oil'
of a frost ; the mercury is then commonly falling, and by
consequence the scent sinking to the ground. The earth
is naturally on such occasion fermenting ; dissolving,
stinking, exhaling, and very porous ; so that it is impos-
sible but most of the particles must then be corrupted,
buried, or overcome by stronger vapours. 'Tis very
common to heir tlic vulgar say, .s/w carries dirt in her
246 HUNTING DIRECTORY
Influence of the Frost
heels : but that is not all, it being very plain, by what
has been observed, that it is not only by the scent of the
foot she is so eagerly pursued.
" The mention of frost puts me in mind of a particular
observation of my own making, that may be useful or
diverting to my brethren of the chase. You all make it
a great part of your pleasure to hunt out the walk of a
hare to her seat, and doubtless you have often been sur-
prizingly disappointed on such occasions. You have
many times been able to hunt the same walk in one part
of the field, and not in another ; you have hunted the
same walk at ten or eleven, which gave not the least
scent at seven in the morning ; and which is most pro-
voking and perplexing of all, you have often been able
to hunt it only at the wrong end, or backwards ; after
many hours' wonder and expectation, cherishing your
dogs, and cursing your fortune : you are in truth never
so far from your game as when your hunt is warmest.
All these accidents are only the effect of the hoar-frost,
or very gross dew (for they never happen otherwise) and
from thence must the miracle be accounted for.
" I have already proved that a thaw tends to corrupt
the particles, and have as good reason to maintain that
frost fixes, covers, and preserves them. (Whether this
is done by intercepting their ascent, and precipitating
them to the ground by the gross particles of frozen dew,
or whether by sheathing them, and protecting them from
the penetrating air (as the good wives preserve their
potted meats and pickles) I leave to the learned ; but
the facts are certain, and confirmed by experience. We
have therefore only to take notice (by the way) that the
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 247
on Scent.
hoar frost is very often of short continuance, changeable
and uncertain, both as to its time and place of falling ;
and hence all those difficulties are easily resolved. Let
the huntsman, as soon as he is out of his bed, examme
but the glass windows, which commonly discover whether
any hoar frost has fallen, what time it came, and in what
condition of continuance or gomg off it is for the present.
If it appears to have fallen at two, three, or four in the
morning, (suppose in the month of October, and other
times of the year must be judged of in proportion) and
to be going off about day break, it may then be expected
that there will be a great difficulty or impossibility of
trailing to her seat, because her morning retreat being
on the top of the frozen dew, the scent is either dissolved
or corrupted with it, or dissipated and exhaled. 'Tis
true (after such a night) the dogs will find work in every
field, and often hunt in full cry ; but it will be generally
backward, and always in vain, her midnight ramblings
(which were covered by the frost) being now open, fresh,
and fragrant. If the said frost begins later in the morn-
ing, after puss is seated, there is nothing to be done till
that is gone off; and this is the reason that we often see
the whole pack picking out a walk at nine or ten, in the
same path where Siveet-lijjs herself could not touch at
seven. Again, if the frost began early enough, and con-
tinues steadily till you are gotten into the fields, you may
then make it good to her seat, as well as at other times
on naked ground ; though you must expect to run a
great risk of losing her at the going off of the frost, ac-
cording to the observations already laid down.
" It is also to be remembered, that there is no small
accidental difference in the very particles of scent; I
248 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Difference of Scent in the same Animals.
mean, that they are stronger, sweeter, or more distin-
guishable at one time than at another ; and that this dif-
ference is found not only in diverse, but often in the same
individual creature, according to the changes of the air
or the soil, as well as of her own motions or conditions.
That there is a different scent in other animals of the
same species, is evident from draught hounds, which
were formerly made use of for tracing and pursuing
thieves and deer stealers, or rather from any common
cur or spaniel, which will hunt out their masters, or their
master's horse, distinctly from all others : and that it
is the same with the hare is no less visible with the
old beagles, which will not readily change for a fresh
one, vmless she starts in view, or unless a fault happens
that puts them in confusion, and inclines them in despair
to take up with the next they can come by.
" That the same hare will at divers times emit finer
or grosser particles, is equally manifest to every one who
shall observe the frequent changes in one single chase,
the alterations that ensue on any different motion, and
on her degrees of sinking. The coursing of a cur dog,
or the fright from an obvious passenger, is often the
occasion of an unexpected fault ; and after such an acci-
dent the dogs must be cherished, and be put upon it
again and again before they will take it and acknowledge
it for their own game. The reason is (as I conceive) the
change of the motion causes a change in the perspiring
particles ; and as the spirits of the dogs are all engaged
and attached to particles of such or such a figure, 'tis
with difficulty they come to be sensible of, or attentive
to, those of a different relish. You Mill pardon the ex-
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 249
Motion the principal Cause of Scent.
pression, if I compai*e old Jowler, in this case, to a ma-
thematician, who is so intent on the long perplexing-
ambages of the problem before him, that he hears not
the clock or bell that summons him to a new employment.
** The alterations in a yielding hare are less frequently
the occasion of faults, because they are more gradual ;
and, like the same rope, insensibly tapering and growing
smaller : but that alterations there are, every dog boy
knows by the old hounds, which still pursue with greater
eagerness, as she is nearer her end.
" I take motion to be the chief cause of shedding or
discharging these scenting particles ; because she is very
seldom perceived whilst quiet in her form, though the
dogs are ever so near, though they leap over her, or (as
I have often seen) even tread upon her. Indeed it some-
times happens that she is, as we say, winded where she
sits. But this may be the effect of that train of scent
she left behind her in going to her chair ; or more pro-
bably the consequence of her own curiosity, in moving
and rising up, as I have also seeUj to peep after and
watch the proceedings of her adversaries. However,
we must grant, that these particles of scent, though the
effect of motion, are not more gross and copious in pro-
portion to the increasing swiftness of the animal; no
more than in a watering pot, which the swifter it passes,
the less of the falling water it bestows on the subjacent
plants.
"It is very plain, the slower the hare moves, the
stronger and grosser, ccetarisjiarihusy are those particles
she leaves behind her ; which I take to be one reason
250 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
(besides the cloathing and shielding of them from the
penetrating air by the descending frost or dew) that the
morning walk will give scent so much longer than the
flight in hunting. However, it is remarkable, that these
odorous particles gradually decay and end with her life,
because it requires the most curious noses to lead the
cry when she is near her last ; because she is so often
entirely lost at the last quat : and because, if you knock
her on the head before them, there is hardly one in the
pack that will stop or take any notice of her.
" The greatest art and curiosity is discovered in hunt-
ing the/o?7, especially if she immediately steal back be-
hind the dogs the same path she came : for it must re-
quire the utmost skill to distinguish well the new scent
from the old, when both are mixed, obscured, and con-
founded with the strong perspirations of so many dogs
and horses. Yet, this we have often seen performed by
ready and expert hunters. However, if the dogs be
not masters of their business, or if the air be not in due
balance, the difficulty will be the greater.
" The reader will observe that the remarks I have
made are generally on the hare; which, as I have said,
is of aU others most worthy of our speculation and en-
quiry.. By analogy, the hunting of the deer or fox will
be easily imderstood ; for, though the scent of these is
generally higher, more obvious to the noses of the dogs,
and in greater plenty whilst the particles last; yet, for
that very reason (floating in air) they are sooner dissi-
pated, and require a more vigorous, though less subtle,
huntsman, as well as swifter beagles."
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 251
Somcrvile's Notion ot Scent.
Somervile expresses his opinion on scent in the fol-
lowing beautiful hnes : —
" The blood that from the heart incessant rolls
In many a crimson tide, then here and there
In smaller rills disparted, as it flows
Propell'd, the serous particles evade
Through th' open pores, and with the ambient air
Entangling mis. As fuming vapours rise,
And hang upon the gently purling brook.
There by th' incumbent atmosphere compress'd.
The panting chase grows warmer as he flies.
And through the net-work of the skin perspires,
Leaves a long steaming trail behind, which by
The cooler air condens'd, remains, unless
By some rude storm dispers'd, or rarified
By the meridian sun's intenser heat.
To every shrub the warm effluvia cling,
Hang on the grass, impregnate earth and skies.
AVith nostrils opening wide, o'er hill, o'er dale,
The vigorous hounds pursue ; with every breath
Inhale the grateful steam : quick pleasures sting
Their tingling nerves, while they their thanks repay,
And in triumphant melody confess
The titillating joy. Thus on the air
Depend the hunter's hope. When ruddy streaks
At eve forebode a blustering stormy day,
Or lowering clouds blacken the mountain's brow,
When nipping fronts, and the keen biting blasts
Of the dry parching east, menace the trees
With tender blossoms teeming, kindly spare
Thy sleeping pack."
Beckford says, " I cannot agree with Mr. Somervile,
in thinking scent depends on the ah' only. It depends
also on the soil. Without doubt, the best scent is that
which is occasioned by the efHuvia, as he calls it, or par-
252 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Beckford's Opinion
tides of scent, which are constantly perspiring from the
game as it runs, and are strongest and most favourable
to the hound when kept, by the gravity of the air, to the
height of his breast ; for then it neither is above his
reach, nor is it necessary he should stoop for it. At such
times, scent is said to lie breast-high. Experience tells
us, that difference of soil occasions difference of scent ;
and on the richness of soil and the moderate moisture of
it, does scent also depend, I think, as well as on the air.
At the time leaves begin to fall, and before they are
rotted, we know that the scent lies ill in cover. This
alone would be a sufficient proof that scent does not
depend on the air only. A difference of scent is also
occasioned by difference of motion : the faster the game
goes, the less scent it leaves. When game has been
ridden after, and hurried on by imprudent sportsmen,
or has been coursed by sheep dogs, the scent is less
favourable to hounds ; one reason of which may be, that
the particles of scent are then more dissipated.
" I believe it is very difficult to ascertain what scent
exactly is : I have known it alter very often in the same
day. I believe, however, it depends chiefly on two
things, — "the condition the ground is in, and the tem-
perature of the air," both of which, I apprehend, should
be moist, without being wet. When both are in this
condition, the scent is then perfect; and vice versa, when
the ground is hard, and the air dry, there seldom will
be any scent. It scarce ever lies with a north or an east
wind : a southerly wind without rain, and a westerly
wind that is not too rough, are the most favourable.
Storms in the air are great enemies to scent, and seldom
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 253
fail to take it entirely away. A fine sunshiny day is not
often a good hunting day ; hut what the French ca\\ jour
des dames, warm without sun, is generally a perfect one :
there are not many such in a whole season. In some
fogs I have known the scent lie high ; in others, not at
all ; depending, I believe, on the quarter the wind is
then in. I have known it lie very high in a mist, when
not too wet ; but if the wet hangs much on the boughs
and bushes, it falls on the scent and deadens it. When
the dogs roll, the scent, I have frequently observed,
seldom lies, for what reason I know not ; but, with per-
mission, if they smell strong when they first come out of
the kennel, the proverb is in their favour ; and that smell
is a prognostic of good luck. When the cobwebs hang
to the bushes, there is seldom much scent. During a
white frost the scent lies high ; as it also does when the
frost is quite gone : there is a time, just as it is going off,
when it never lies : it is a critical minute for hounds, in
which their game is frequently lost. In a great dew the
scent is the same. In heathy countries, where the game
brushes as it goes along, scent seldom fails. Where the
ground carries, the scent is bad, for a very evident reason,
which hare-hunters, who pursue their game over greasy
fallows and through dirty roads, have great cause to
complain of. A Avet night frequently produces good
chases, as then the game never like to run the covers or
the roads. It has often been remarked, that scent lies
best in the richest soils ; and countries which are favour-
able to horses are seldom so to hounds. I have also ob-
served, that in some particular places scent never lies."
Q b
254 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
At first view, Somervile and Beckford would appear
at variance on the subject of scent; but, in fact, they are
both correct. Scent is entirely under the influence of
the atmosphere ; yet it is equally true that it varies, ac-
cording to the nature of the land, in the manner pointed
out by Beckford. On Friday, February 3rd, 182G, I
met the Cheshire hounds at Ravensmoor, near Nantwich,
and a fox was found in a neighbouring cover, called
Radnor Gorse. The hounds went away with uncommon
speed ; and sly renard having gone oft* in a line for
Ravensmoor, turned to the left to Beechhouse. The
fox took the direction of Bar Bridge, j^assing over a fine
grass country, where the scent was very good, and the
hounds continued the pursuit with so much speed, that
none but good workmen were able to keep in sight of
them. I never recollect seeing hounds carry a better
head or go faster. The fox ultimately turned to the left
towards the village of Bunbury, where the land was
higher and sandy, and where the scent immediately died
away. Yet, I am inclined to think that this circumstance
was owing as well to atmospheric influence as to the
alteration in the soil, as rain came on immediately after-
wards. On rich pasture land, the scent will be much
better than on poor pasture land— for the following
reason :— the herbage on the former being more luxuri-
iint, more plentiful, and possessing a more adhesive
quahty, the floating particles of scent arc thus more
numerously and longer detained, and consequently afford
a superior scent to the hounds. Nevertheless, the
degree of scent is, beyond all question, regulated entirely
by the atmosphere :— when the latter if favourable (as
HUNTING DIRECTORY. ^55
Influence of the Wind on Scent.
with a soft southern wind, for instance) the hounds will
run breast high over good land, and on such occasions
the scent will be found much superior even on the worst
land. When the scent is most propitious to the sports-
man's hopes, it would seem to float for a considerable
time at that precise elevation as to enable the hound to
run with his utmost speed, (as Beckford has noticed) :
the particles of scent not only adhere to the herbage and
other obstacles with which they come in contact on the
immediate line of the chase, but float and fill up a con-
siderable space, as is clearly proved by many of the
hounds very frequently running breast high at an evident
distance to the windward of the line of the chase. On
the contrary, when the scent is bad (as with a cold,
harsh, easterly wind) it can be made out (if at all) only
by thorough line-hunting hounds ; while those dogs,
which, under other circumstances, ran so brilliantly, are
not able to recognise it. Experience convinces every
sportsman that, over fallows or beaten roads, scent never
lies well : the reason is evident : — there is no herbage or
other attractive objects to detain the floating particles,
and the consequence is, that if the hounds do not follow
on over such places immediately after the chase has
passed, they are not able to hunt — the scent has been
dissipated. Scent will continue, precisely according to
the air or atmosphere, for a longer or a shorter period.
Whenever the chase brushes against a number of ob-
stacles, as when running amongst heath, for instance,
the scent cannot be otherwise than excellent; (unless
the atmosphere be vei'y unfavourable indeed ;) nor can
a fox stand up long before the hounds under such cir-
cumstances : renard seems conscious of the advantage
^56 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Erroneous Notions respecting the Scent of diSferent Animals.
of his enemies in such case, as he will avoid the heath as
much as possible, and perseveringly continue his course
along the roads or any beaten track he can meet with.
That the scent of the fox does not continue so long as
that of the hare, is a mistaken notion ; and has arisen
most likely from harriers being generally more tender
nosed than fox hounds, and are thence enabled to speak
to the scent after a considerable lapse of time — in pro-
portion of course to the quality of the olfactory organs.
Also, it may be further remarked, that, while it has
been the custom amongst sportsmen to consider the scent
of the fox stronger, but more evanescent, than that of
the hare, it has, at the same time, been the general
opinion, that the scent of the stag was the strongest of
the three, and the most agreeable to hounds. I have no
hesitation in supposing that the scent issuing from so
large an animal as the stag must be much greater in
volume (if I may be allowed the expression) than the
odorous exhalations from the two much smaller animals
already noticed ; yet, I think it will appear, when the
matter is duly investigated, that the general notions
respecting scent have been inconsiderately adopted, and
have arisen as much, or perhaps more, from the olfactory
organs of the hound as from the difference in the scent
of the animals which constitute the objects of chase. At
all events, I feel a perfect conviction (which indeed I
have already expressed) that the scent of the fox is not
more evanescent than that of the hare, if so much, and
that hounds which could recognise the scent of a hare
after the lapse of a considerable period, would also speak
to that of the fox in the same manner, or perhaps more
easily.
CHAPTER XL
Wolf Hunting in France, iiit/i a Description of the
Hounds and Equipage for that Purpose. — A Wolf
Chase.
It is generally admitted that the English are the best
sportsmen in the world ; yet it cannot be denied that the
foundation of their present superior knowledge of the
chase was imported from the Continent. The Saxons
taught the Britons to pursue the chase on scientific
principles ; the Normans afterwards introduced a much
improved system ; which has been gradually advanced
in this country till it has reached its present comparative
perfection. However, in order to enable the reader to
form an opinion of the manner in which the chase is at
present pursued by our Continental neighbours, I shall
here introduce a few pages from the late Colonel Thorn-
ton's Sporting Tour through France.
" Before we proceed on this subject, it may, perhaps,
be necessary to observe, that the hunting of the wolf
being entirely confined to the countries of the continent,
and particularly to France, many of the technical terms
employed in this interesting sport are of such a nature,
that it is impossible to render them into the English
language. The original expressions have, therefore, in
some cases, been retained in the following pages.
Terms emplo?/ed in Hunting the Wolf. — Wolves arc
divided, according to their age, into cub wolves, old
258 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Terms employed in Wolf Hunting.
wolves, and Avolves ; their age may be discovered by
their feet, and their footsteps are called the track of the
wolf.
When the wolf goes a gentle pace without hurrying
himself, he is said to go with confidence.
When he goes in quest of food, it is said, he is seeking
food, he is going to feed on carrion, he seized the car-
rion, he glutted himself with carrion.
In the season of copulation, wolves are said to be at
heat. Some sportsmen have employed the term rut;
but that can only be applied to the stag, the deer, and
the wild boar.
When the wolf has covered the female, it is said, the
wolf has coupled, the wolf has covered or lined the she
wolf.
When they have produced whelps, they are called a
litter of young wolves. It commonly consists of five, six
and seven ; and never of less than three.
We say, the head, the teeth, the skin of the wolf.
The nipples of a she wolf are called teats.
The places where they have scratched up the earth
are called dechmissures, and we say the wolf has torn up
such a place.
The place where he lies is called his kennel.
We say the footsteps of a wolf; some have called them
the track. When we see the wolf of which we are in
chase, we cry — Velelau, Velclau, liarluu chicns, harlou,
veleci aller, i^eleci aller.
We say the howling of wolves : to howl for wolves is
to entice them to you, that you may shoot them in the
niafht.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 259
Manner of distinguishing a Male from a Female Wolf, &a
To place greyhounds in stations is to post them in a
situation between two thickets, when you expect the
wolf to leave one of them and to go into the other.
. Manner of clistingidshing a He Wolf from a She
Wolf by the Feet. — The he wolf has a larger and thicker
foot than the she wolf. When the wolf is young, his
foot expands as he walks ; when he grows old, his foot
is narrower, both before and behind ; his claws are thick,
long, and close ; his heel thick and broad, and the fore-
part of the foot thicker than the hmder part. When
the wolf goes with assurance ; that is, when he walks his
ordinary pace, he commonly puts the hind foot into the
step or track of the fore foot. It is easy to perceive
this in wet weather, or in snow ; but when he goes at a
trot, the hind foot keeps at the distance of three fingers
from the fore foot. The she wolf has a longer and nar-
rower foot than the male ; her heel is smaller and closer,
and her claws are not so strong. By taking notice of
these differences, the sportsman may know whether he
is in the track of a he or a she wolf.
The Time in ivhich Wolves are in Heat. — It is com-
monly in winter that these animals are in heat ; but
some she wolves are not in heat so early as others. The
old ones are more early, and the young ones later. In
general, they are not in heat for the first time till they
are nearly two years old, or between twenty-one and
twenty-two months ; because, as the mothers are in heat
again the same year they litter, the young ones being-
then only nine or ten months old, have not attained a
sufficient growth to be in heat ; so that they are not in
that state till the second heat which comes upon the
260 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
The Littering of Wolves.
mother after their birth. The she wolf produces her
first fitter about the conchision of her second year : it is
always in the most inclement season of the year that
these beasts are in heat — the old ones till nearly the
month of February, and the young ones till towards the
end of that month. The she wolves are extremely coy
before they yield to the advances of the males ; and if
several of the latter happen to meet when they have
found a female, they fight for her with the utmost ob-
stinacy, and the strongest wins the prize. The jealousy
of these animals is extreme ; and is carried to such a
height, that, if by accident a he wolf, after lining a
female, is met alone with her by several males, they
will attack and tear him in pieces.
The Time when She Wolves Litter. — When the she
wolf is big, she commonly goes three months and a half,
or more — that is, upwards of a hundred days. They
litter earlier or later, according to the time they were in
heat. Their most numerous litters consist of six or
seven ; but never of less than three ; and there are
always more males than females. When the she wolf is
about to litter, she seeks some large ditch in an unfre-
quented place, or some hole at a distance from any road,
into which she retires. She even seeks to avoid the
presence of the male ; because, if he were present when
she brings forth her young, he would not fail to devour
them. If, however, the female happens soon afterwards
to die, the male, appearing to be actuated by paternal
affection, feeds the yoimg cubs, defends them against
every enemy, and when they have acquired a little
strength, he conducts them into large corn fields^ and
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 261
The Places where Wolves Litter.
Other situations not far from the forest or thickets. He
there places them in security, while he prowls in quest
of food. He carries to them all he can catch, such
as sheep or other animals ; but he first devours them
himself, and on his return to his cubs, he disgorges the
half-digested food, Mhich is swallowed by the cubs.
When his prey consists only of puppies, or fowls, he
carries it off alive : at first he gives these animals to his
cubs to play with, and then instructs them how to kill
them. When he and she wolves have young ones, they
are extremely alert in avoiding the snares that may be
laid for them ; and when they hear the report of a gun,
or the cry of dogs, they decamp as speedily as possible,
and carry away with them all their family.
Manner of discovering the Places where the She
Wolves have Littered. — In the month of August, or
September, the cubs having acquired a little strength,
begin to walk about, and to sport among the thickets.
They never remove far from the woods, because there
is then no corn in the plains. In looking for them, you
should go into the thickest part of the woods, and the
closest thickets ; and, in particular, take notice of all the
places near which there are marshes. The females
usually seek those situations, as well for the convenience
of retreat, as to allay the burning thirst caused by the
season, and the food on which they subsist. It is com-
monly in the morning and evening that the young wolves
go to the marshes. You may take young dogs to the
spot, but you ought to have one in particular that is well
trained to that kind of search : in beating the wood, he
will not fail to discover the wolf; he will even pursue
262 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Of Training Dogs to Hunt the Wolf,
him, rouse him, and follow him to his haunt : M'hen there,
you should caress and encourage him, to induce him
afterwards to go and pursue him alone. The move-
ments of the old dog will animate the younger ; you
should, therefore, sometimes send him forward to excite
the others, and afterwards you may call him behind, to
see whether the young dogs are capable to go by them-
selves. They should be caressed a good deal the first
time they manifest timidity. You should go before them,
to teach them to pursue by themselves ; and as the young
wolves will not easily quit their situations, you must
make the dogs return to the charge, and follow the
scent ; and then, after having encouraged them, call
them off.
To train young dogs to hunt the wolf, the sportsman
must proceed in the following manner : — He should take
them to the wood every two days, towards the places
which he supposes to be frequented by the wolves. He
cannot fail to discover them, because the he or she wolf
always goes in the morning to the cubs, and then retires
into other thickets to deceive the hunters : it is then that
you have an excellent opportunity of employing blood
hounds to advantage. The thickets chosen by the
wolves for their retreat are easily known : near them are
always some fragments of their prey, by which they are
betrayed, as bones of horses, skeletons of dogs and other
animals. It is, besides, easy to remark whether the
grass about the spot is trodden, which is a sign that the
young wolves have come thither to lie down.
Eqidpage for Hunting the Wolf. — Having described
the M'olf, and the manner of discovering him in a general
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 263
and the Kind best adapted for the Purpose.
way, it is necessary to enter into the details of the chase ;
but it may not be amiss previously to say something of
the proper equipage for that purpose.
In this respect it is not necessary to go to any great
expence, as twenty-five or thirty hounds are sufficient.
They ought to be of a good size, to have a grey coat,
and to be marked with red about the eyes and on the
cheeks : by these marks you may discover their greater
or less degree of eagerness in the chase. You ought,
likewise, to have six or eight leashes of large, choice
greyhounds, and some good whelps. They encourage
each other, and attack the wolf with the greater vigour.
A good whipper-in is also highly necessary ; two attend-
ants for the blood hounds, two for the hounds, and one
to slip the greyhounds.
Your blood hounds for hunting the wolf cannot be too
good ; they ought to be bold, lively, and full of ardour.
When they possess all these qualities, you derive from
them a two-fold advantage ; for, besides that which you
enjoy in the chase, they hkewise serve to train other
dogs. A good sportsman ought to be prudent as to the
service he requires of his dogs, and he should be very
careful of them, for the chase of the wolf is more fatiouinf
to the blood hounds than any other kind, the wolf being
naturally crafty and mistrustfuL From the moment that
he perceives they are after him, he is constantly going ;
and when he finds himself pursued, he changes his abode,
and leads his pursuers a very fatiguing chase. It is,
therefore, advisable to spare the blood hounds, and to
make them serve alternately. A day of rest gives them
fresh ardour, and enables the sportsmen to liunt with
more satisfaction.
264 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Of Trying for the Wolf.
The Search for the Wolf. — The wolf is tried for in
various ways, according to the difference of the seasons.
If it be in winter, you should go to the wood some time
before sunrise, because that is about the time when the
wolves repair to it. In summer there is no occasion to
go so early, because those animals frequently stay among
the corn, and do not return to the wood till the day is
advanced ; therefore, without being in too great a hurry,
it will be sufficient to beat twice along the skirts of the
thicket towards the corn ; and, if you meet with nothing,
it will be advisable, on your return, to beat the contrary
side.
There is a considerable difference between trying for
the stag and the wolf. The former remains a long time
in the thickets ; sometimes he does not even leave them
to pass the night in the open fields : but the conduct of
the wolf is exactly the reverse. Hunger, it is said,
drives him out of the wood ; and as he subsists entirely
by carnage, he frequently approaches farms, villages, and
even towns, and seizes whatever falls in his way. If, by
accident, he remains a considerable time in a thicket
without quitting it, even during the night, it is only when
he has taken a deer, or some other animal that he is
occupied in devouring.
When the assistant huntsman shall have arrived with
his limier, or blood hound, at the place containing the
object of search, he must loosen the leash, and make his
dog advance before him more than half the length of it,
continually caressing him and saying — Va outre Ribaut
hau mon valet, hau lo lo lo lo, iieleci, veleci alle mon
petit. It is well frequently to repeat these w^ords, because
HUNTING DIRECTORY. ^65
Hounds not eager in the Pursuit of the Wolf.
nothing more encourages and animates the dog in the
pursuit. You must take good care that the blood hound
may not take the scent of some wolf that has entered the
forest by some ravine or great road ; and when you
perceive that the dog is about to acknowledge the scent,
and that he puts his nose either to the branches or the
tufts of grass, you must encourage him; for dogs are
naturally not very eager after the wolf; and I have re-
marked, that they are not very eager in quest of him.
Besides, the scent of the wolf does not continue more
than two or three hours ; and to be enabled to unkennel
him, he should not have passed more than two hours ;
otherwise the blood hounds will scarcely be able to hunt
up to him, especially if it be on a beaten dry road. For
he leaves more scent behind him when he runs upon the
grass or among the bushes, because he touches whatever
he meets, as well with his body as his feet, and when the
scent is protected from the wind or sun ; and this cir-
cumstance assists the blood hounds in the pursuit.
When the huntsman perceives that his dog has got
upon the scent of a wolf, he should encourage him in
these terms : — Wliat! is he there boy? — haii Vamy apres
veleci y d'lt vrai, and he should frequently repeat them
in order to encourage the dog, which he must continue
to follow, either by the side of the way or hi the faux
fuyant. Too much attention cannot be used on this
occasion, because there is always reason to apprehend,
lest the scent should grow too weak, and lest the blood
hound should relinquish it at the first cross-way to which
the wolf may have betaken himself. It is to be observed,
that when the wolf passes a cross-way, he always stops
R
2G6 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Habits of the Wolf, and
there for some time, either to clung or to make water
against some bush of broom or furze, or a tuft of grass.
He then immediately scratches up a spot on the surface
of the ground four feet in extent, tearing up the turf
backwards with his claws. He then continues his course,
and sometimes conceals himself at a considerable dis-
tance ; sometimes he likewise endeavours to give his
pursuers the slip, and instead of following the road takes
another, and turns toward the thickest part of the wood,
with a view to enter it. For this purpose he takes the
first double he comes to, or some favourable passage,
which hapi^ens principally when the earth is moist. It
is at such times that the sportsman should be careful to
train the hound to the scent, at about half the length of
the line, and to encourage his blood hound more and
more. If it be still early in the day, he may follow the
drag with little noise, and withdraw secretly to proceed
before. He should observe, that during this time, the
hound may surprize the wolf either by some JauxfuT/anf,
or by some glade, by which he may have penetrated
into the recesses of the wood ; for wolves have different
paces according as they are more or less hungry. When
driven by hunger, they are almost incessantly on the foot,
and proceed forward till they have found something to
eat : but when they have glutted themselves, they fre-
quently retire into the first thicket they come to, provided
they find favourable places for their kennel ; as hollies,
fern, and other shrubs.
If the sportsman be at the forest on a hunting day,
he will content himself with ascertaining whether the
wolf has entered the thicket. He will endeavour to dis-
HUNTING DIRECTORY. £67
Method of training a young Blood Hound to hunt him.
cover the little avenue oi' glade by which he may have
entered : he will caress his blood hound, and afterwards
break the branches at the entrance of the thicket. After
he has convinced himself that he has discovered the
track of the wolf, he will return to the company to make
his report ; but if he had no other intention than to
exercise his dog, or if it is a considerable time since he
dislodged the wolf, he may, as soon as he has reconnoi-
tred, return to the inclosure of broken boughs to dis-
cover the traces, then push on and dislodge the wolf,
and follow the drag to the haunt, caressing his blood
hound and continually using the above-mentioned terms.
If the blood hound be young, his ardour will abate on
approaching the haunt, because the scent of the wolf
naturally inspires dogs with terror, and there are very
few which dare venture to follow him by themselves.
It is, therefore, necessary to speak to him a good deal,
in order to animate and embolden him to pursue ; and
he should be much caressed on the track. With regard
to the haunt, I shall observe here, that wolves frequently
change them, according to the diiierence of the season ;
for instance, in summer they choose an open place among
the grass, on which the sun shines a little ; but in winter
they repair to the recesses of the woods or thickets,
among heath or fern. They seldom fix their abode
beneath very high trees, excepting they find there very
thick bushes, or abundance of fern or rushes.
In what Manner it may he discovered that the Blood
Hound has got Scent of a Wolf. — It is very difficult to
get sight of a wolf, on account of his great swiftness :
he even scarcely leaves behind him any traces, excepting
11 2
268 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Mode of ascertaining whether the Dog is on the right Scent.
in winter, in a white frost ; or in summer, when there is
much dust. In all other circumstances you may be said
to proceed with no great certainty ; and if a person has
not had long experience in the chase, he frequently takes
many a step in vain. There are, however, certain signs,
by means of which you may discover the object of the
blood hound's movements, and consequently distinguish
whether it is a wolf or some other animal of which the
dog has got the scent. If it be a wolf, he will not fail to
go and smell at the branches and grass the wolf has
touched, and will immediately proceed in pursuit of him.
If the wolf makes a good impression on the ground, and
the dog has any scent, you will see him pursue briskly,
provided you take care to encourage him, from time to
time, on the drag. But if the wolf passed very early,
and you are not on the spot in good time, the blood
hound will lose the scent, particularly if the wolf pro-
ceeds in a right line, and is gone to a considerable
distance ; for a dog must have an excellent nose to dis-
cover a wolf that has passed longer than two hours and
a half, or three hours ; and he is liable to change if
there be any deer in the thicket, or if he have not been
exclusively trahied to wolf hunting. When the sports-
man perceives, by the manner of the dog, that it is the
track of a wolf which he has discovered, he must en-
deavour to find out whether the animal is alone or in
company. They generally go in pairs : it is only in
seasonable weather that he can discover their number
and quality, by examining their footsteps with attention,
conformably to what I have already said on that subject,
in treating of the difference between the foot of the he
and she wolf.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 269
Manner of placing Relays of Dogs.
Manner of making a Report of the Discovery of a
Wolf — It appears that it is not very easy to distinguish
the track of wolves from every other animal : a sports-
man should possess much experience, and be capable of
just observation, to be able to make an accurate report.
A report is commonly made in the following manner :
I believe I have discovered the track of one or two
wolves, or of a he and a she wolf, or of several, according
to the indications one has oljserved; they came from
such a thicket, or they went in quest of food towards
such a village ; they killed so many deer, which I found
in following them ; and they afterwards repaired to such
a thicket. I continued the search ; and as I imagine
that their direct road lies from such a thicket, in which
I have reason to suppose they are, to such other thicket,
there is a fine opportunity for driving them into the open
country, and an advantageous situation for placing grey-
hounds.
Manner of placing Greijlionnds, — The greyhounds
for the wolf are divided into three classes — the levriers
iVestric, levriers compagnons, likewise called the flank
greyhounds, and levriers de teste. There ought, in
general, to be two leashes of each kind, each leash being
composed of two or three greyhounds. The levriers
d'estric are first placed by the side of a thicket, near the
spot at which you imagine the wolf will break. These
two leashes should be about five or six hundred paces
distant from each other, more or less, according to the
situation of the place. Each leash should be supported
by a horseman, who should take care to conceal himself,
with the dogs, on the skirts of the wood down Mind, to
r3
270 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Method of killing the Wolf.
push the wolf when the dogs are let loose, and to make
him take to the open country. At five or six hundred
paces from the former, and about half way between the
two thickets, must be posted the flank greyhomads : the
two relays of these are placed opposite to each other,
for the wolf to pass between them. Attention nmst be
paid to keep these still more concealed than the former,
lest the wolf should perceive them ; and the valets must
attend, to loose them as soon as the wolf is ready to
pass. The levriers de teste shovdd be placed near the
thicket which the wolf is expected to make for ; and,
when he is observed to approach, pursued by the other
dogs, the levriers de teste should then be brought forward,
and let loose upon the wolf. The latter being stronger,
and more furious than the others, soon bring the wolf to
bay : the valets should then halloo up the blood hovmds,
and hasten to the wolf as speedily as possible. As soon
as the dogs hold him to bay, the valets must take care
to provide themselves with short thick sticks, to thrust
down the wolf's throat the moment they are within reach ;
because that animal never quitting any thing that he
once seizes upon, the stick which is presented to him
protects the dogs from the wounds he might otherwise
inflict. The huntsmen must then employ their hunting-
knives, observing the precaution, when they approach
to stab the Avolf, to have one hand always at the point of
the knife, lest they should hurt the dogs ; as I have fre-
quently seen dogs, in the hurry, maimed, in consequence
of the neglect of it. When a favourable moment for stab-
bing (or houghing) the wolf presents itself, the knife must
be thrust through his body, near the shoulder.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 271
Of finding and hunting the Wolf.
Manner of Hunting the Wolf ivltk Hounds. — To
succeed in this mode of hunting, the greyhounds must,
above all things, be placed in the manner as before de-
scribed. You must then post on the side of the thicket
at which you wish to prevent the wolves from issuing,
ten or a dozen men, each provided with a rattle, to be
employed on the occasion. Care must be taken to
station them at the distance of sixty paces from each
other, more or less, according to the extent of the thicket.
When every thing is ready, the leader gives the order ;
and the dogs are immediately taken to the brisecs to be
let loose. The whipper-in holds the dogs to the brisees
in the thicket, to make them take the scent ; and then
conducts them along the track, towards the spot where
he supposes the wolves reside, continually encouraging
them by the cries of hala ila la tayau veleci aller. He
blows his horn from time to time, to animate them in the
pursuit. The noise of the dogs will perhaps make the
wolf quit his kennel long before they come up ; but
sometimes he waits till they are close to him before he
breaks. If the huntsman perceives him, he must then
call to his dogs in these terms — Velelau, velelaii, Jiarlou,
harlou, veleci aller. He will then sound his horn, to
make them follow the traces, and then cry — Harlou
chiens, harlou veleci aller. When the dogs have taken
to the traces, they will not fail to rouse the wolf, and
pursue him with eagerness : the huntsman will then
sound his horn, to animate them still more.
The wolf thus pursued will, perhaps, hang cover
before he breaks it, that he may obtain the advantage
of the wind in his flight ; but the men stationed to keep
^'72 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Method of inducing Ihe Wolf to break Cover.
him in will make use of their rattles, the sound of which
will head him, and make him go off without having the
advantage of the wind. While the wolf is thus in sus-
pense concerning the way he shall take, he is briskly
pushed by the dogs, supported by the huntsman, who
will incessantly keep crying — Ha yfidt la chiens, yfuit
la ha ha. He will then .sound two blasts, and again
begin hallooing — Hou veleci aller, veleei aller. At length
the wolf finding himself pressed by the dogs, the cries
of the hunters, and the noise of those stationed to keep
him in, resolves to escape by the place where he hears
no noise, which is precisely the part next to the open
country. He stops a moment at the skirts of the wood,
to observe whether he can see any person, and he imme-
diately sets off to cross the plain. He is suffered to
advance about one hundred paces, when the levriers
d'estric, and afterwards the others, are let loose upon
him, on the plan already mentioned. Two horsemen,
at the same time, ride after him, to oblige him to con-
tinue his course, as it is of great consequence that he
should be kept in it : but for this he would escape, as
the attempt to run down a wolf is scarcely ever made.
To command success in the latter case, you ought to be
perfectly sure of your relays — that the dogs were trained
exclusively to the chase of the wolf — that there were
neither deer nor boars in the forest. This kind of chase
would, besides, be long and fatiguing, because the wolf
is rarely blown : he runs a long time, never ahead, almost
constantly viewing him for six or seven hours together.
The greyhounds placed in ambush greatly abridge this
chase, and likewise render it more amusing and certain
to the spectators.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 273
Forms observed at the Death of the Wolf.
As soon as a wolf is taken, he should be given up to
the hounds which come up almost immediately ; because,
otherwise, the greyhounds would attack the hounds. It
is therefore advisable that they should be taken off im-
mediately and coupled, to return and go in quest of
another, for it is easy to take several wolves ui one day.
When this is intended to be done, each should resume
his former position : as for those who are stationed to
prevent the animal's escape, they must not, on any
account, quit their post, till they receive orders to that
effect.
When the wolf is expiring his death is announced by
three loud blasts of the horn. The huntsmen alight,
and caress the dogs, to excite them to worry him. It is
the duty of the whipper-in to cut off the animal's right
foot, which he presents to the commander of the com-
pany.
Manner of Chasing the She Wolf and the Young
Cubs. — Nearly the same things are observed in the chase
of the female as of the male — the same method of pur-
suit, and the same cries are employed ; but the young
wolves are chased with less precaution, and are attacked
even in their caverns by the dogs. As soon as the dogs
have discovered them they are seized with fear, and run
from one side to the other, without ever quitting the
thicket. The whipper-in must follow and encourage the
dogs by three notes of his horn, and must speak briskly
to them in these terms — Harlou, harlouy hou velcci:
this gives the dogs fresh spirits, courage, and strength,
and they rush upon the young wolves with renewed
ardour. When they have overtaken them, the hunts-
£74 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
The Blooding of
man despatches them with his hunting knife, always
observing the precaution mentioned above, lest the dogs
should sustain any injury.
If there are in the pack any young dogs which have
not before been in the chase, they might be made to
begin with chasing the young wolves, in company with
old steady hound dogs : they would soon learn, and be
able to hunt. In their beginnings they ought to be ani-
mated and encouraged by frequent caresses with the
hand ; and when the young wolves are taken, they should
be made to approach, and to ruffle on them, and pull
them.
When the chase is over, a retreat is sounded, all the
dogs are collected, and the wolves that have been taken
are carried away.
The Blooding of the Wolf.— The blooding of the
wolf differs very much from that of stag, deer, and other
beasts, which are given to the dogs on the spot. The
scent of the wolf is extremely strong, and the dogs
would not taste the flesh if care were not taken to dis-
guise it. I have frequently remarked, that dogs which
manifested abundance of ardour in pursuit, durst not
venture to approach the animal to trample on him when
killed. Nothing but great precaution, and repeated
caresses, can overcome their aversion to the flesh of the
wolf. The following is the manner in which it is pre-
pared : —
The wolf must first be skinned, and the entrails taken
out ; the head is then cut off, but the skin and ears are
left upon it ; the quarters are then cut ofl', and are baked
with the body in a very hot oven. While the whole is
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 275
Hounds to Wolf.
rousting, small pieces of bread are put into one or more
tubs, into which are thrown the quarters of the wolf, cut
into pieces, as soon as they come out of the oven. Upon
this is then poured a large pot full of boiling water,
into which, while heating, have been put three or four
pounds of grease ; and the whole is well stirred and
mixed. When the whole is soaked, empty it out of the
tubs upon a piece of sacking made for the purpose, and
stir it again, that the mixture, which is still warm, may
be in a state fit to be eaten by the dogs. When every
thing is ready for the blooding of the pack, the whij)per-
in receives the switches from the hands of the first valet.
He presents two to the commander of the company, who
gives one to the master to whom he belongs. The
switches being distributed, the kennel is opened, and
the huntsmen sound the tune customary on other occa-
sions of this kind. At the same time, the skin and head
of the wolf are held before the dogs, that they may be-
come accustomed to that animal. After eating the mash,
the roasted body of the wolf, to which the head has been
affixed, is presented to them, at the distance of thirty
paces. The best way of making them eat it, is to shew
it them at the point of a fork, and to animate them with
words, and the sound of the horn, and they will not fail
to fall upon it with eagerness.
The foregoing is the French manner of preparing the
animal for winter — the method employed in summer is
somewhat different : — The quarters are roasted and cut
in pieces, as before ; but, instead of water boiled with
grease, two or three pails full of milk, into which have
been put a quantity of very small pieces of bread, or rye
276 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
French Hounds inferior to the Enghsh Hounds.
flour, are poured over them : the whole is mixed toge-
ther, and this mess is given the dogs in the same manner
as the other. They eat it wilhngly, and it is extremely
refreshing for them. The body is afterwards given them
in the manner before described.
Thus much for the French mode of treatment : their
hounds will not bear any comparison with those of the
English breed. The former are deficient in animation,
and possess a very small share of mettle ; while, on the
contrary, such is the blood of the well-bred English
hound, that he would instantly break up any wolf on
seizing it."
The introduction of the fowling-piece in wolf hunting
does not, however, well harmonize with the ideas of an
English sportsman; though it is very freely used in
France, as will appear from the following description of
a run with a wolf: — Colonel Thornton, after observing
that they threw off at four o'clock, (whether morning or
evening is not stated) thus proceeds : —
*' We soon roused a wolf, of which we had a view for
five or six miles ; however, there was no probability of
killing but by shooting him, and this was not easily done,
as the cover was extremely thick in underwood and
heath, the avenues having been entirely neglected since
the revolution.
I heard several shots in different parts, and some of
them so near together, that I did not suppose them to
be at the same animal : however, the cry returned, and
I faintly saw something rush near me. The, hunters
then came up, and informed me that they had shot at a
wolf; and one of the party said, in an exulting tone, he
was confident that he had mortally wounded him.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 277
Description of a Wolf Chase.
I had twenty-one balls in my seven-barrelled gun, and
trusted, if I could get a shot the least clear of cover, I
should wound the game. We then took our respective
stations in the allees, all agreeing (as is necessary) to
shoot forwards. In about half an hour I heard the cry
no more, and therefore dashed on at a good rate for two
miles, when I heard the hounds but very faintly. Having
placed myself in what I thought a likely pass, I heard a
rustling, and soon discovered an animal listening, about
sixty yards distant. Agitated as I was at this moment,
I could not decide whether I should fire. I was certain
of hitting with some of the balls ; but, as the cry con-
tinued to advance, I resolved to wait, and in a little time
mij gentleman passed the avenue: he seemed jaded, and
was evidently hit in the hinder part. I then fired ; but
whether successfully or not I could not tell. Running
up to the boughs where he had appeared, I found them
cut ; and, on carefully examining the range of the balls,
I conceived that I had certainly wovmded him — in con-
sequence of which, I remounted my horse, and tallyhoed
so as to make the forest ring. In about ten minutes a
couple and a half of my hounds appeared, nearly toge-
ther. Caustic and Consul, grand-son and grand-daughter
of Merkin, of true Conqueror blood, seemed the most
vermin. They flew counter down the avenue, but I
hallooed them back ; and, at this instant, three couple
and a half out of my four came in, and were immediately
followed by Vixen, who appeared full as vicious. I caped
them, and they went off' at a rattling pace after the wolf;
but still they were almost mute.
Having galloped on to the next avenue, I was joined
by some straggling gentlemen, and at length by the
278 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Description of
huntsman, whom I informed of what had transphed.
He was in rapture with my hounds, and exclaimed —
" Par Dieu, Monsieur le Colonel, ce sont des veritahles
cMens, Us sont superbes. lis hieront non pas seulement
tons le loups mats aussi le Diable" If I hallooed like a
madman, he certainly was not behind me in blowing ;
for I really thought he would have hurst either himself
or his Jiorn. The rest of the sportsmen, being furnished
with horns, blew in confidence ; and the noise they made
has never since been out of my ears !
Another shot proclaimed that the game was again
seen, when he turned shorter, and the hounds got nearer;
and, on my representing to the gentlemen that our
hounds would soon outrate him, they politely agreed to
fire no more. The wolf was now frequently seen, and
at every time the horns gave notice. He crossed an
avenue tolerably clear, when Vixen, who had joined us,
saw him; and, although just before jaded, the little
devil got the scent and gave tongue. When she seemed
to be near, and teazing him, my hounds came up within
two hundred yards of his Jack, all in a sheet ; and even
some of the French hounds, which had given up the chase,
now came in: one of them, between a Newfoundland
dog and a deep-mouthed Norman hound, worked very
hard. The huntsman said — " Monsieur le Colonel, ce
chien Norman est un gaillard, il aime les loup)s. II sera
hientot mort." But, I replied, "I fear he will wound my
hounds severely, there are so few : if, indeed, the pack
were here, I should not fear him." " N'atjez pas peur,
Mons. le Colonel," rejoined the huntsman, "je serai
proche etje lui flan^rcrai un coup de man carabine.''
HUNTING DIRECTORY 279
a Wolf Chase.
At this moment the wolf turned to us, when the ter-
rier, having a decided advantage from the thickness of
the cover, continued catching at his haunches. I hal-
looed, the huntsman blew away, and the game was now
at the point of death, surrounded by his enemies. His
tongue hung out, and he was evidently wounded in more
places than one, as he could scarcely draw his near hind
leg after him. After he had been tormented for some
time by Vixen, he came to a sort of opening in the ride ;
l)ut, in crossing some deep ruts, he fell in, and could not
recover himself. The Norman hound and three others
rushed in, and threw him on his back. He snatched,
but they seized him by the throat and back, whilst Vixen
had good hold of his haunch. I thrust the end of my
whip in his mouth, and the huntsman coolly tied his nose,
and drew his cotiteau de cJiasse, which I told him was
unnecessary — the hounds being at him, he must soon
expire.
Having blown our horns, and hallooed till we were
almost dead with drought, we tied our horses to some
trees, and sat down whilst the wolf was dying. The
huntsman said it was a " gros loiip de quartier annee :"
and I observed he had a famous set of grinders and good
dog teeth. He had received, from the first fire of M.
de Beaumont, a small pistol ball through the upper part
of his back, and one buck shot had grazed his neck.
My balls, being rifled very neatly, were easily known :
two of them had entered the fleshy part of the thigh,
and a third, which crossed the kidneys, seemed to have
given the mortal wound — as without that, the huntsman
said, he would have stood much longer. His l)rush had
oSO HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Dogs wounticd by the Wolf.
suffered from some balls, which almost every gentleman
present asserted to have been his own.
Having opened our canteens and taken some refresh-
ment, I ordered the carcase of the wolf to be thrown to
the hounds ; and the greater part of it was soon de-
voured ; but the French hounds would not touch it.
On examining the dogs, we found that one of Consul's
ears was almost bit off; Caustic was sadly cut on the
side of her face ; and the rest a little injured. Vixen
had escaped with only a bloody nose : that was, indeed,
a severe wound for a terrier ; but she did not seem to
mind it ; and indeed they all suffered much less than I
expected.
Thus terminated, about ten o'clock, what I had been
so anxious to see — a wolf hunt ; and I had now ascer-
tained what might be done by fox hounds."
However highly our Continental neighbours may esti-
mate a wolf hunt, it would seem, in the estimation of an
English sportsman, very inferior indeed to a run with a
fox. Colonel Thornton observes, that they never think
of running down a wolf, nor indeed does the English
sportsman of the present day ever wish to run down a
fox ; but, on the contrary, to run well tip to him. Fox
hunting woidd lose its essence and spirit were the fox to
be merely run down ; but from the language used by
Colonel Thornton respecting the wolf, running him down
would seem to be regarded as next to an impossibility ;
and it would appear from his superior speed, that run-
ning up to him would be no easy matter, even with the
fleetest hounds in the world.
CHAPTER XII.
Boar Hunting. — Manner of Training or Entering
Young Hounds in France.
On the chase of the wild boar, the same writer which
I quoted in the last chapter, makes the following obser-
vations : —
"The equipage destined for the chase of the wild
boar is denominated vautrait. In great hunting estab-
lishments it forms a separate department, in which par-
ticular officers and attendants are employed. Large
equipages for this sport are usually attended by a pack
of fifteen or twenty couple of hounds. The huntsmen
and whippers-in ought to be extremely expert. This
chase is very fatiguing : the huntsmen are obliged to
shout incessantly, to make the dogs follow, as they are
frequently discouraged, especially if they are pursuing an
old boar. It requires mettlesome and vigorous horses ;
and the riders must not be afraid of the branches in the
thick recesses of the forest, into which they are obliged
to penetrate.
It is extremely difficult to procure hounds well trained
for hunting the boar, and this instruction requires great
patience and attention ; not that a young hound will not
at first pursue the animal, but his scent sometimes dis-
gusts, and the country, covered with thickets and moras-
ses, discourages him. A boar is not so easily hunted
down as a stag; and, let the establishment be ever so
s
282 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
excellent, the chase seldom lasts less than four or five
hours. SometuTies the animal is checked by firing a
gun— or he is pursued by mastiffs and greyhounds.
Chases have been known to continue two whole days,
and at last tlie hunters could not have taken the boar
but by shooting him, on the third day.
When the boar finds himself driven to the last ex-
tremity, he does not run forward, but frequently turns,
keeping for a considerable time near the same spot, and
seeking to make the dogs start some other game. When
he is done up, he foams much, advances only by leaps
and bounds, throws himself into some marsh, or sets his
back against a thicket, facing the dogs, and defending
himself with incredible fury. It is then that the whip-
pers-in must give effectual support to their dogs, and
endeavour to dislodge the animal ; but, if he keeps at
bay, it is proper to prevent the dogs from approaching
too near. The whippers-in enter the thicket with pre-
caution—one of them alights, approaches the boar, and
plunges his hunting knife into the small of his back.
The man who inflicts the wound must be very alert, and
instantly run ofl^ a contrary way ; for the boar always
turns towards the side on which he feels himself wounded.
If, however, he should prove so furious as to endanger
the sportsmen and the dogs, the best way is to kill him
with a gun or pistol : this is a privilege or honour re-
served for the leader of the company, and is resorted to
only at the last extremity. The whippers-in then sound
the death of the animal, and encourage the dogs to
trample on him. Having cut off the testicles, which
would cause the flesh to contract a very disagreeable
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 283
Of Shooting Boars.
smell, and the fore foot, which is given to the huntsman,
who presents it to the leader of the company, the ])oar
is carried off. Before they return, the dogs are in-
spected, and those that have received wounds are
dressed, as the huntsman ought to he provided with
needles, thread, and every thing necessary for that piu'-
pose.
Dogs do not eat the flesh of the boar with as much
avidity as that of the stag ; nor must it ever be presented
to them raw. All that is in general given them is the
shoulders and the intestines cut in pieces, and boiled in
water.
In some parts, small bells are fostened to the necks of
hounds that hunt the boar and the wolf. If it is not in-
tended to hunt down the boar, but only to shoot him,
an equipage becomes perfectly useless ; one or two blood
hounds, and a few good hounds are, in this case, quite
sufficient. Nay, you need then only employ the mastiffs
with which the gamekeepers traverse the forests where
the boars couch, and drive them towards the spot where
the hunters are posted.
In Germany, and occasionally in France, very fine
sport is obtained by limiting of boars, and likewise of
stags, with toils. An enclosure is formed with toils and
pitchforks, round the thickets into which the boars have
been driven. A huntsman sets his blood hound upon
the scent, and follows him till he has reared the game.
Five or six hounds are then slipped: this number is suf-
ficient to hunt a large boar ; but if there are several, the
whole pack is taken.-
284 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Huntsmen must assist the Dogs in killing the Boar.
In the first case, it is proper to accompany the hounds
with a few clogs, produced hy crossing the breed of the
mastiff with the hound : these animals, which are ex-
tremely ardent, will closely press the boar and drive him
round the enclosure. The dogs are powerfully sup-
ported with the voice and the horn, and are followed
close to prevent the boar from making head against them.
After the chase has continuedsome time, the large mas-
tiffs and greyhounds are then slipped, and these rush
upon the boar with fury. The huntsmen advance ; one
pierces the animal with his hunting knife in the small of
the back ; the others, armed with sticks, are ready to
receive him, in case he should make towards the person
who wounded him, and strike him upon the snout,
keeping him off with the end of the stick, till they have
despatched him. When the proposed number of boars
are taken, the dogs are called off."
It would, at first view of the case, appear hardly cre-
dible, that a boar should stand so long before hounds ;
but this animal, in a state of unlimited freedom, is, beyond
all question, a very different creature from the heavy,
sluggish, domesticated boar, which frequently appears
scarce able to support his own unwieldy bulk. From a
private letter of the late Colonel Thornton, to a friend, I
copy the following observations respecting the wild boar,
and also of the pursuit of it:— " I sent you a paper M^iich
contained something about a noble wild boar, which I
ordered to be hunted ; and, when killed, in Chambord,
to send it here at my expence ; and thus to try to let
such sportsmen here (London) as never saw one, be able
to judge for themselves. Accordingly, it being arrived,
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 285
Chase of the Boar.
every person that heard of it came to see it. It was
hung up at a venison dealer's in Old Bond Street. The
concourse of people was so great, that the man could not
get out of, or others enter, his shop. It is to day (January
15, 1819) being cut up into forty pieces, to be disposed
of to various friends; and I have given the skin, head,
ike. all unmutilated, to Bullock ; to shew them, with the
account of the different balls he received ere he would
resign to hounds or men. He is by no means the largest
boar I have killed ; but he is a terrible looking fellow,
more danoerous than one much older, for then their
tushes grow thicker, become curved, and the animal is
more inactive. He wounded many of the hounds, but
only killed, I believe, three. A couple of vermin terriers
plagued him the most, as he could not get his tushes to
bear on them. The last final shaft was a lingo, which,
I see, broke three of his ribs and passed through him.
The number of balls he received I shall examine and
relate. I understand, he stood a run of full forty miles.
But I am sure I ran one at least one hundred and forty,
and then he was not done up, though constantly view^ed
from half past eleven till past ten the next day, relays
of hounds being uncoupled close at him at every three
or four hours. What other animal can shew such game
and bottom ?
We dine to-day a party on his loin or saddle, which
was where he received his death wound. The wound,
as I have already observed, was inflicted by a lingo,
which is a piece of iron or lead, formed something like
a weaver's shuttle, of the weight of two or three balls,
and made to fit the calibre of the gun. It is a sort of
286 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
French Method of
bolt, which, if it strike into flesh, it goes deeper : if it
touches a bone, it then turns itself broadways ; and thus,
though a ball would only have broke one rib, it broke
three, close up to the back. The number of balls that
he received shall be the subject of my next letter." —
This boar, it seems, was three years old, was run by
fleet fox hounds, and during the progress of the chase,
crossed four rivers.
The following is the plan adopted by the French of
training or entering young hounds, from Colonel Thorn-
ton : —
''In the country, puppies, after their separation from
the mother, which generally takes place when they are
two months old, are fed with bread, milk, and soup ;
they are never suffered to eat carrion, nor to run about
among the warrens; they are not shut up, but being-
kept in the covu't yard, they become familiar with the
other domestic animals, which they are afterwards not
tempted to pursue, and are habituated to the inclemency
of the air by their frequent courses in the fields. At
the age of ten months, or a year at farthest, they are
taken to the kennel for the pvu-pose of training : it is
here thought to be of advantage to keep them together
in the same kennel. The whipper-in, to whom their
education is committed, takes care not to suffer them to
stir a step, or take their meals, without orders. He
therefore begins by habituating them to the different
tones and expressions used in the chase, to make them
obedient to these. For this purpose he puts a trough
with bread, about ten yards from the door of the kennel,
which he half opens, and putting in, through the open-
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 287
Training Hounds.
ing, a switch, which he holds in his hand, he moves it
in such a manner, that those dogs which attempt to force
their way through, receive a smart stroke on the nose.
In a short time, with the aid of gentleness and patience,
and of the switch, which he still keeps moving, he is
enabled to open the door quite w ide, and placing him-
self in the middle, he prevents the dogs from going out.
When he has brought them so far, that not one of them
stirs when he half opens the door and cries back/ he
then turns round and permits them to go out to eat,
saying, come along, come along / This lesson being
repeated morning and evening, for several days, the
young pack become perfectly acquainted with the first
expressions ; on which, the next step is to make them
lie still on the benches in the kennel, crying back, while
he brings the tray into the place. When he sees that
they are perfect in this new lesson, he increases the diffi-
culty, by repeating the terms, tallij-ho, back, and come
along, before they eat. By degrees, he deters them
from stirring from the benches by the mere motion of
his hand, his handkerchief, or a whip, though he feigns
to turn round, and even when turning half round, he
employs one of these means of obedience contrary to
that motion.
When the dogs are found to be less wild, and know
the persons who have the care of them, they may then
be coupled, and taken out morning and evening, or three
times a day, if despatch be necessary, to a place where
there is no danger of losing them — such as a field in-
closed with hedges. They are accompanied by four
men — one before, one behind, and two others on each
288 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
French Method of
side. The first clay they are taken straight forward ;
and the man who is at their head frequently calls them
to him with lio, ho^ ho ! The second day the lesson is
varied, turning off sometimes to the right and to the left ;
still, however, using the same terms. The third day
they describe a semicircle, sometimes on one side, some-
times on the other, accompanying the above-mentioned
terms with the exclamations, ha au retoiir, ha au retour.
They are next made to describe a complete circle ; after
which, they are stopped now and then with the cry of
hack, and not suffered to proceed till they are called with
come along.
When the dogs are perfect in these lessons, they are
made to turn about in this manner: — They are first
stopped ; on which, the man behind places himself before
him who is at the head : those at the two sides never
quit their places. The man at the head then walks
through the dogs, saying, ha au retour, and snapping
his fingers : the other strikes the ground with a switch
or whip, to prevent them from proceeding, and points to
the other man who calls them, at the same time saying,
ttirn about. By this method they are soon accustomed
to comprehend the term which is of such essential im-
portance in the chase. To these lessons the hounds are
confined till they are perfect masters of them, and per-
form them with facility and intelligence They are then
taught to practise the return to their place. For this
manoeuvre, the person at the head stops the hounds,
checking them with the term toide bellement, (softly) pro-
nounced in a milder tone than back, which being intended
to enforce speedy obedience, ought to be articulated
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 289
Training Hounds.
sharply. When they have stopped, he who is behind,
and at first very near to the dogs, calls them with Ao,
ho^ ho J As soon as they begin to turn their heads, he
instantly cries an retour^ au retour, (turn, turn,) and
immediately begins to walk fonvard again, after having
turned half round : this lesson is repeated till the dogs
make no fault. The term ho, ho, is then omitted, and
the hounds are taught to turn, the man keeping at a
greater distance, but yet so as to be heard by them.
When the dogs perfectly comprehend all the above in-
structions, they are made to repeat, in one lesson, all
the manoeuvres they have learned in several. After this,
they are taught to stop, though the man at their head
continues to walk on : in this lesson he stops the dogs,
crying back, and facing them ; he then retires backward,
keeping them on the spot by the word bad'. If a dog
advances, he calls him by his name, and cries back ; one
of the men on the flanks, in like manner, repeats his
name, and if he does not obey, he applies the whip,
crying back, and adding ventre a la meute (get back to
the pack.) When they are all attentive, the leader turns
round and calls them, saying, come along, come along —
ho, ho, ho ! When they have reached him, he immedi-
ately faces them, cries back, and snaps his fingers to
animate them. He then turns again, calling them with
come along, Jind softly. After they have practised this
lesson several days, and learned to execute it properly,
it is thus varied : — The man at the head, still walking
forward, and without turning, checks the hounds with
softly, softly, and back, and continues his way. The
two men on the flanks are obliged to pay great attention
290 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
French MothoU of
at this moment, to keep the dogs in exact order, caUing
them by name, and chastising such as are in fault.
When they are all quiet, the man at the head calls them
to him, and faces them when they have reached him.
A docility still more complete is obtained, if the man
at the head walks forward without giving any orders,
and the man in the rear checks and stops the dogs with
the words softly, and hack ; though the first continues
advancing, and must not halt, except at the command of
the second, for the purpose of turning half round, calling
the hounds to him, and facing.
The hounds being stopped in this manner by the
whipper-in in the rear, and setting oiF again at the com-
mand of him at the head, to join him, the former checks
them a second time by the same terms, and stops them
in full career, notwithstanding the continued progression
of the latter.
All this being perfectly well comprehended and exe-
cuted, the pack is exercised in returns, commanded alter-
nately by the men at the head and in the rear. For this
purpose, the latter suffers the hounds and the other
three conductors to proceed forward, to the distance of
fifty or sixty yards, and then calls to them to return.
The first who, at the moment of recal, turns about and
stands still, while the pack executes the movement
directed, waits till they are within ten yards of him who
commanded it, and then cries bacl\ As soon as they
have stopped, he calls to them to return ; and when they
are within ten yards of him, the other renews the same
command. While this manoeuvre is repeated several
times alternately, by those in the front and rear, the men
on the flanks are stationary.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 291
Training Hounds.
When they are masters of these alternate returns,
their execution is rendered moi-e difficult, by obliging
them to halt as instantaneously as if they had been or-
dered by the voice, by the mere motion of the arm, or
the handkerchief of one of the men on the flanks, or of
the leader, when they are at a considerable distance from
him. These movements, it is true, are not new to them,
since they are taught them in the first lessons they
receive in the kennel ; and they are required to obey
them as promptly as verbal commands.
The dogs having become familiar with their guides,
and perfectly comprehending their gestures and orders,
they are then accustomed to go out without being-
coupled, taking care to unloose first those that are the
most tractable and docile. They are at first walked in
places where they cannot be lost, nor diverted by any
object from the attention that is required of them ; they
are then taken to all kinds of situations, to accustom
them to execute their different lessons, and to be kept in
the same state of docility amidst the variety of objects
that will present themselves. This ensures their perfect
obedience, which is one of the principal delights of the
chase ; and can never be obtained in enclosed places,
which are justly considered pernicious, even to old packs.
When the hounds are supposed to be sufficiently in-
structed in all the intonations of the voice, they are then
exercised with the sound of the horn, preserving the
same gradation in these new lessons. They are first
stopped with the voice ; the man at their head removes
to some distance, and calls them to him by a recheat ;
they are in like manner commanded to return ; and when
'292 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
French Method of
they have learned this perfectly, they are stopped from
time to time, by the cry of back, tally-ho, as in the
chase: a flourish is then sounded, and they are made to
set off again with come along, softly, or a recheat.
The dogs being as perfect in all these lessons as is re-
quired, they are uncoupled, and exercised on horseback,
at a foot pace and short trot, with the same number of
men, and in the same situations, in all they have been
daily taught on foot. Above all things, care is taken
not to give them ardour, to check them at every object
capable of taking off their attention, and even to ahght,
to correct, immediately, such as begin to chatter.
When the dogs are complete masters of all that has
before been taught them, both on horseback and on foot,
a still more difficult task succeeds — that is, to walk them
out in the plains, in the midst of hares, without mani-
festing any ardour. For this purpose, they are coupled
in troops of six or eight at most, and led by valets on
foot, who take them to the plain best stocked with hares,
through which the men proceed, at the distance of one
hundred yards from each other. The young hounds
are all eager to pursue the first hare that is started ; each
valet takes notice of those dogs who prick their ears
most, falls upon them with his whip, crying, ha hey, les
vilains, ha hey, derriere, and continues his way. At
each new fault he repeats the same correction, till the
dogs draw back, instead of advancing, when they per-
ceive a hare. This lesson being repeated two days suc-
cessively, the dogs are then taken out, simply coupled.
The person who is at their head keeps attentively on the
look out for all the hares that may be started : as soon
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 293
Training Hounds.
as he perceives one, lie checks the clogs, crying, toute
hellement , fi-de-ca , derriere, ha hey. He removes from
before them, that they may have a view of the whole
plain ; and if any of them but raises an ear, he is not
spared. By this method the dogs are habituated, even
uncoupled, to pass through the plains in the midst of
hares, without taking any notice of them.
These excursions having succeeded as well as could
be wished, they are repeated with men on horseback:
if the hounds should so far forget themselves as to run
away and return to the kennel, they are immediately led
back to the plain, and walked along coupled, by men on
foot, who correct them severely when they shew the
least signs of ardour ; and especially those which, by
their example, hurry along the others in their indocility.
The young pack being sufficiently advanced, they are
taken out in troops to hunt, that they may become ac-
quainted with the country, and be habituated to re-
turn to their kennel. The valets who take them out
are particularly attentive to keep them behind them
during the whole chase, to silence them whenever they
begin to open, and to maintain the most rigid obedience ;
they can come up time enough to be in at the death —
this will make them acquainted with the animal which
they are destined to hunt.
After two or three chases of this kind, the young-
hounds are divided into two equal companies, which are
subdivided into two and two among the lower troops,
(hardes basses) to be uncoupled with them. Each of
these companies is hunted only twice, to prevent their
getting so much exercise as to beat the old hounds. In
294 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
French Method of Training Hounds.
proportion as they become more steady, the hounds are
removed from troop to troop, (cVharde en harde) to the
old pack ; at the same time, attention is paid that half
of the latter always consists of old dogs. The troops
remain in this state at least three months ; and the young
hounds are not removed into the pack till they have no
longer any occasion for persons to conduct them.
When the new hounds are not numerous, they may be
trained in this manner without deranging the old pack :
when it is numerous, and the sportsman is desirous of
keeping up an excellent equipage, a small number of the
fleetest and staunchest hounds are selected to train the
young dogs ; and, when these are sufficiently docile and
steady, they are joined to the pack — so that no derange-
ment or suspension of pleasure takes place.
Spring-hunting is considered the best for completing
the training of young hounds. To render them indif-
ferent to every other species of game but that which
they are destined to hunt, they are taken out coupled,
and in troops, (several couple of hounds tied together is
called a troop) to places where there is abundance of
game. They are suffered to see those kinds which they
are not intended to hunt, and if any of them appear
eager, and begin to chatter, they are corrected by the
person that accompanies them, who leads them, repeat-
ing — toute hellement,Ji ha hey, derriere, and continues his
way. This lesson is practised every day, till the hounds
are so steady as not to follow the scent of any animal
but that which they are to hunt : they soon look upon
all others with indifference."
CHAPTER XIIL
The Methods of 'pursuing the Chase in England and
in France compared. — Anecdotes of an extraordinary
Pedestrian Fox Hunter. — Observations on the Mis-
chievous Propensities of the Fox ; and upon the
Injury sustained by his Dejrredations.
If we compare the manner in which the Chase is con-
ducted on the Continent, particularly in France, with
the mode of pursuit adopted in England ; or, at least, if
we look at the matter with English feeling, we shall be
apt to despise the former, although attended with much
pomp and parade. At the same time, it is but fair to
observe, that a Frenchman, accustomed from infancy to
be fond of shew, would naturally enough prefer his boar,
his wolf, or his stag hunt, to our enthusiastic and mad-
dening pvu'suit of the fox : the latter, I am inclined to
think, would not be well suited to the nerves of a French-
man, who, unaccustomed to such horses as the English
hunter, as also to our method of crossing a country,
would regard a five-barred gate, or indeed any rasper,
as an insurmountable obstacle. Beckford, in one of his
amusing and instructive letters, observes, that a French-
man was on a visit to the late Lord C , "who
Ijeing a great sportsman, thought that he could not oblige
his friend more than by offering him to partake of an
amusement, which he himself was so fond of :— he there-
fore mounted him on one of his best horses, and shewed
S96 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Frenchmen not partial to Fox Hunting.
him a fox chase. The Frenchman, after having been
well shaken, dirted, tired, run away with, and thrown
down, was asked, on his return, * Comment il avoit
trouve la chasse ? ' — ' Morbleu, Milord (said he, shrug-
ging up his shoulders) votre chasse est une chasse dia-
bolique!'" — In another place, Beckford remarks, "I
hunted two winters at Turin ; but their hunting is no
more like ours, than is the hot meal you there stand up
to eat, to the English breakfast you sit down to here.
Were I to describe their manner of hunting, their in-
finity of dogs, their number of huntsmen, their relays
of horses, their great saddles, great bits, and jack boots,
it would be no more to our present purpose than the
description of a wild boar chase in Germany, or the
hunting of jackals in Bengal. C'est une chasse magni-
Jique, et voila tout. — However, to give you an idea of
their huntsmen, I must tell you that one day the stag
(which is very unusual) broke cover, and left the forest ;
a circumstance which gave as much pleasure to me as
displeasure to the rest — it put every thing into confusion.
I followed one of the huntsmen, thinking he knew the
country best ; but it was not long before we were sepa-
rated : the first ditch we came to stopped him. I, eager
to go on, hallooed out to him, * Allons, jjiquettr, sautez
done.'' — * Non, pardi, (replied he, very coolly) cest un
double fosse — -je ne saute i^as des double fosses.' '*
From the nature of the country, having few, if any,
fences, what a Frenchman would regard as excellent
runs may, no doubt, be obtained ; indeed, Colonel
Thornton remarks, in one part of his Sporting Tour,
that the finest bursts he ever enjoyed took place in
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 297
Comparison of French and English Hunting.
France ; however, although the Colonel speaks of them
— not exactly in raptui'es perhaps — -but in terms of un-
qualified approbation, yet they are not exactly the sort
of bursts to suit the taste of the generality of English
sportsmen : — a burst of three or ten miles over a cham-
paign country, without the interruption, perhaps, of a
single leap, is not the kind of sport from which a true
English fox hunter derives his greatest pleasure — he is
pleased with the intervention of a few raspers and other
difficulties; to surmount which renders the run much
more interesting, and maybe said to constitute his greatest
delight. Different countries have different customs, and
different tastes ; and I can very easily conceive, that a
good run in England with a fox would be as unpleasant,
u'ksome, and even alarming to a Frenchman, as the
hunting in France would be insipid and tedious to an
English sportsman. The number of Englishmen, how-
ever, who have visited France, and many of whom have
taken up a temporary residence in that country, has, in
all probability, somewhat improved the French system
of sporting. This seems tolerably evident from the
number of English hounds and English horses which
the nobility and gentry of France have procured within
the few last years.
That the French have much improved in what relates
to the chase, is evident from a number of circumstances
which will impress the mind on a slight retrospective
glance — some of the grosser absurdities have been alto-
gether abandoned : — some years back, for instance, the
hounds of the king of France were fed with wheaten
bread of the finest and best quality! — Tlie kennel win-
1
298 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Hunting, an universal passion.
dows, however, in France, are entitled to notice. Instead
of glass, thin canvas is vised, which, it seems, will admit
a free circulation of air, and, at the same time, effectually
keep out the flies, which, in summer, are great torments
to dogs.
Hunting may be regarded as an universal passion ;
but pursued with more ardour in England than in any
other country ; and it must be admitted that English
sportsmen stand unrivalled either as to their know-
ledge of the chase, or the manner in which they pursue
it. Nor is hunting in this country confined exactly to
the higher orders, or such as can afford to keep horses
for the purpose ; as the hounds are miiformly attended
by pedestrian sportsmen. It is true, the pursuit of the
fox is not well calculated to afford diversion to the latter
class ; yet extraordinary instances of this kind occasion-
ally present themselvesj and cannot fail to excite atten-
tion. In the present year (1826) I repeatedly met the
fox hounds of Hugo Meynell, Esq. of Hoarecross Hall,
Staffordshire ; and I uniformly found them attended by
a pedestrian sportsman, of rather singular, but charac-
teristic, appearance : he was a yovmg man, about five
feet eight inches high, with a countenance not remark-
able for animation ; yet there was something about him
more than usually interesting. He appeared in a scarlet
jacket, buttoned close, and in other respects equipped
for running. The first time I had occasion particularly
to notice this young man, was one morning, when Mr.
Meynell's hounds found in a cover called Ravensdale,
eight miles from the town of Derby. It had been a
sharp frost during the night ; and when the fox went
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 299
An extraordinary I'edestriau Sportsman.
away, the ground was hard, and in many places, very
slippery : in consequence, I got a fall at the commence-
ment of the run ; and before I was again mounted, such
was the speed of the hounds, that I was distanced, if not
thrown out. However, I followed as fast as possible by
the marks of the horses' feet which had gone before me ;
#ind after riding a mile or two, I came up with the red
coated pedestrian already noticed ; but we did not long
keep company : — I fell in with him several times ; and
when I at length reached the hounds, owing to the fox
having gone to ground, I perceived that the pedestrian
sportsman had arrived before me !
I saw him whenever I met Mr. Meynell's hounds, and
a little inquiry furnished me with the following particu-
lars respecting him : — His name is Thomas White, he
was born at Andover, and is now about two and twenty
years of age. From infancy, he was much attached to
the sports of the field, and followed the hounds on foot as
soon as he was able to run. He has been known to run
sixty miles a day in the pursuit of the chase, taking into
calculation the distance of the fixture and the return
home. Last winter (1825), a fine dog fox was found (by
Mr. Meynell's hounds) at Pot Luck cover, near Willing-
ton : renard passed through Willington ; and, making
away in the direction of Sir Henry Every 's, passed the
ice house — thence to Ettwall — thence to Sutton on the
Hill and Dalbury Lees — round the covers at Radborne
— over the meadows to the left, crossing the Uttoxeter
turnpike road to Burneston. The fox then turned
towards Egginton, passed Sir H. Every 's dog kennel,
making away again for Pot Luck cover, and was killed
t2
SOO HUNTING DIRECTORY.
All extraordinary
at the very place where he was found, after an excellent
run of two hours and thirty-five mmutes. During the
run. White was frequently with the hounds, and was up
at the death.
On another occasion the same hounds found at Aries-
ton covers, and went away at a rattling rate for Swinfen
Moor — thence to Osmaston — turned to the right for
Swarkston, where he was lost, afl^ording, however, a very
sharp run of twenty-five minutes, over a heavy country.
Tried the covers at Arleston again — no find. Tried a
small ozier bed at no great distance — found. Renard
broke cover in gallant style, passing through Mr. Glover's
farm yard, skirting the canal, and made away for Arles-
ton Gorse — passed through the cover for Swarkston
cover — crossed a large drain below the gorse, and, pas-
sing Chellaston, proceeded to within a mile of Weston;
when renard, finding himself pressed, made a sharp turn
for Chellaston, making away for Swarkston cover ; but,
being headed back by some men at work in a field, he
crossed the Derby road — thence to Elvaston, and turn-
ing to the left, lay down in a meadow. This caused a
check for some minutes, when renard was at length
viewed off by the whole field : — he went in a direct line
for th6 ozier bed where he had been found — passed
through it — crossed Denman's Lane — reached Derby
race course, passing close to the stand — he proceeded
along the banks of the canal, and entered some small
gardens between the canal and the river Derwent, where
some boatmen hit him with a stone, by which he was
disabled, and the hounds killed him in the gardens.
One hour and thirty minutes. White was frequently
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 301
Pedestrian Sportsman.
conspicuous during the run — was up at the death, and
was presented with a pad ! — This occurred in March,
1825.
In the following December, Mr. Meynell's fox hounds
found at Arleston covers ; when renard passed through
Pot Lucks ; leaning to the right, he passed through the
village of Willington — crossed the Derby road, Eggin-
ton Common, through Egginton, crossed the river Dove
close to Sir Henry's ozier beds — thence to RoUeston,
keeping up the meadows, turned to the left towards
Burton on Trent, through Rolleston, and got to ground
in a rabbit warren. While digging at one hole the fox
bolted at another, going off in the direction of Horninglow
— back towards Rolleston, which he did not seem inclined
to leave, and where, after some dodging, he was lost.
This business lasted nearly seven hours, from first to
last ; the first two hours of which was very good : it
finished at five o'clock. White was almost constantly
with the hounds, and witnessed the conclusion.
Many similar occurrences might be eiunuerated,
wherein White displayed his invincible ardour for the
chase, and his uncommon abilities as a pedestrian : one
of them, however, merits particular notice: — Early in
the present year (1826) Mr. Meynell's hounds met at
Stoves Gorse in Necdwood Forest, Staffordshire, a
distance of nine or ten miles from White's residence ;
but he appeared at the appointed place in due time.
After several covers were unsuccessfully tried, a fox was
found in a turnip field ; and the hounds, after running
one mile and a half, came to a check : however, he was
hit off' again from some willows, and the hounds went
T 8
302 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
An extraordinary Pedestrian Sportsman.
away breast high, passing through the village of Han-
bury, thence proceeding in the direction for Tutbury
Castle : when near this place, renard turned to the left ;
and, after describing a large circle, passed again through
Hanbury, and a second time approached Tutbury
Castle. — Some dodging took place in the covers here,
when at length, renard again faced the open country ;
but finding he could not hve before his pursuers, he
went to ground in the bottom of a hedge. After digging
thirty-five minutes, two foxes were discovered. The
run fox was killed ; the second was turned out ; and
was lost after a run of thirty-eight minutes. White was
very conspicuous during both runs, and at the conclusion
of the business, walked home, a distance of fourteen
miles !
In May last, White ran from Derby to Burton, eleven
miles, by the side of the Birmingham mail. In Febru-
ary, IS25, he ran from Derby to Nottingham, sixteen
miles, by the side of the mail.
In June, 1825, he ran round the course at Buxton,
one mile, in four minutes and fifty seconds, after having
walked eighteen miles.
The gentleman, to whom I am indebted for the fore-
going particulars, remarked that " Tom White was a
truly interesting young fellow, of most eccentric habits ;
good hearted, thoughtless, amiable, and unfortunate."
White occasionally attended Sir Henry Every's harriers,
and, on such occasions, appeared in a green jacket. Fox
Hunting, however, was his favourite sport, and he always
honoured it in scarlet. W^hite enlisted into the tenth
hussars either in the month of June or July, 1826.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 30^
Unjust Accusations against the Fox.
The MiscJiievous Propensities of the Fox. — A great
outcry is frequently raised against the fox by surly, ill-
tempered farmers, and silly, chattering, old women, and
many depredations are laid to the charge of renard of
which he is most perfectly innocent. — In order to silence
the discontent and clamour of these growlers, it was the
custom, in some hunts, to pay for damages which were
laid to the fox's charge. Lord Anson (if my informa-
tion be correct) was, a few years ago, very liberal in this
respect, and, I make no doubt, sustained many imposi-
tions in consequence ; and those masters of fox hounds
who pursue the same system (if there are any) may rest
assured that they will constantly be subjected to the
most unjust demands. That foxes will sometimes make
free with geese and poultry, is a matter which admits of
no sort of doubt ; but whenever depredations of this sort
are committed, it is entirely owing to the insecure situa-
tions in which the birds are suffered to remain during
the night ; since, if they are properly attended to, they
will be placed beyond the reach of the fox. At the
same time, it may very justly be remarked, that a fox
will not approach a human habitation for the purpose of
plunder, unless constrained by hunger : as, although he
is by no means deficient in courage, will fight to the last
gasp, and die without complaining — yet there is scarcely
a shyer animal in nature. The fox will feed upon great
variety — he will eat worms, when greater dainties are
not to be had ; he will eagerly seek and devour field
mice and rats, nor can any terrier in existence be a more
expert rat catcher than a fox. He is fond of fish, which
he contrives to catch, particularly eels ; and what is
304 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Trifling Injury sustained by
much worse, he will destroy partridges and pheasants ;
he will take these birds not only upon the nest, but will
hunt for them, draw and set, something after the manner
of a pointer ; with this difference, however, that he sets
only a sufficient length of time to ascertain as nearly as
possible (by means of his olfactory organs) the situation
of his intended victim, in order to spring upon and secure
it. He sacrifices leverets too when they fall in his way ;
but it very rarely happens that he meddles with lambs.
The rabbit is his obvious and perhaps most favourite
food; since, where rabbits are in tolerable plenty, the fox
rarely gives himself any further trouble : on this account,
therefore, it should always be contrived, if possible, to
have every hunt sufficiently stocked with rabbits.
From very considerable inquiry, I can very safely
assert, that the injury sustained by farmers in the fox-
hunting districts, from the depredations of foxes, does
not amount to one pound sterling, annually, each — most
likely not to five shillings. But it must be remarked
that complaints arise only from those who are not fond
of the chase, as a fox-hunting farmer will never suffer a
fox to be killed unfairly. Not many months ago, I hap-
pened to be walking with Mr. White of the Crown Inn,
Nantwich, over a farm in his occupation, not far from
the town last mentioned. He remarked that a very fine
fox had generally kennelled in some part of it for two
years. Upon one occasion renard made free with an old
favourite goose, when Mr. White's husbandman ear-
nestly inquired if he might not be allowed to destroy
him? — Not for all the geese in Christendom was the
reply. This was as it should be.
HUNTING DIRECTORY 305
the Farmer from Foxes.
Foxes are more mischievous perhaps in the mountain-
ous districts than in any other parts : — in the north of
England, for instance, and the mountainous parts of
Scotland, where they are probably in some degree cir-
cumscribed in their food, and where their destruction by
the shepherds is of little consequence to the chase, since
it is not possible to follow foxes with hounds in such
places. It is true, some years ago, Mr. Forbes kept a
pack of fox hounds in the Highlands of Scotland, in the
neighbourhood of Inverness, and there may be fox
hounds still kept in some parts of that rugged country,
for aught I know to the contrary ; but, of all places, the
Highlands of Scotland appear to me the least hkely to
afford diversion. On the 13th of August, 1824, I hap-
pened to be shooting in the Highlands of Caithness, in
company with Mr. John Gun, whose father, John Sin-
clair Gun, Esq. occupies a very considerable extent of
these Highlands, upon wliich he feeds many himdreds
of cattle and sheep — his farm yard is also well stocked
with poultry. Finding that foxes frequently appeared
amongst the hills, I inquired as to the damage which was
sustained from their depredations — it was very trifling
indeed. It must be recollected that in these parts there
are plenty of grouse, as well as ptarmigan and the
Alpine hare, upon the tops of the grey hills, wliich, with
a number of other birds and small animals, no doubt,
form the food of the foxes.
The same remarks will, in a great degree, apply to
the mountains of the north of England, in some parts of
which foxes are very numerous : it is true, neither the
ptarmigan nor the Alpine hare is foimd upon them; but
306 HUNTING DIRECTORY.
Of the Foxes found
there are a number of small animals, grouse, and various
other birds, in the immediate neighbourhood of these
rocky fastnesses, which, no doubt, constitute the princi-
pal sources of supply. From inquiries which I have
repeatedly made, during various grouse shooting excur-
sions, I feel no hesitation in asserting that the instances
are very rare indeed where lambs fall sacrifices to ren-
ard's voracity — it is only, in fact, when a lamb is first
dropped, that a fox will, even under the pressing calls
of hunger, attack it. With the geese, (and many are
frequently seen in the vallies immediately beneath the
hills) the foxes are much more apt to make free ; but as
they prowl for prey only during the night, it is entirely
the fault of the owners if their flocks suffer. However,
in these parts, a price is set upon renard's head, and
foxes are unsparingly destroyed as often as opportuni-
ties are presented. Their extirpation, however, would
appear almost impossible, or at least a work of much
more than ordinary difficulty, from the nature of the
holds in which they hide themselves, and in which they
bring forth their young. In Westmoreland, not far
from Kirkby Stephen, on the rocky summit of an im-
mense hill, situated close to the main road, foxes have
fovmd a secure asylum for ages. By means of narrow
ledges of stone, which will afford no footing for a human
being, these animals contrive to enter holes or dens in
the very face of an abrupt rock, whence it is not possible
to dislodge them, vinless some extraordinary means were
employed for the purpose. The shepherds sometimes
surprise a fox at a distance from his retreat, and he falls
a victim to his own carelessness, or his own confidence.
HUNTING DIRECTORY. 307
in the Mountains.
In some parts of these mountainous regions, foxes are
very plentiful. In the latter end of the year 1823, or
the early part of 1824, the hounds of R. Bradshaw,
Esq. of Halton, near Lancaster, ran a fox from the
neighboui'hood of the last mentioned place for many
miles in the direction of Kendall. It so happened at
the commencement of the run, that the fox passed
within a few yards of me, and I scarcely ever recollect
observing so fine an animal of the kind. The hounds
went away close at his brush, and followed him with
great speed ; but he ultimately reached the inaccessible
fortress of Farlton Knots, almost in sight of the hounds,
after a run of more than twenty miles. Farlton Knots
is the rocky crest of one of the large mountains, which
form a range between Burton and Kendall, as it were,
in Westmoreland, and affords the most perfect security
for foxes. The music of the pack had attracted the
attention of several shepherds, who approached, and
one of them informed me that no less than four foxes
had stolen away when they heard the hounds. I ex-
pressed a degree of doubtful surprise at what he had
stated ; when, by way, I suppose, of completely removing
my scepticism, he further remarked, that he had no
doubt there were twenty more still remaining in various
fastnesses of the rock ! Half the number, it must be
allowed, would constitute sufficient plenty.
THE END.
INDEX.
Page
Adder, for the bite of the . . . . .86
Ancient objects of pursuit, the stag, the wolf, and the boar, were the 12
Anecdote of Will. Dean
-s of the famous Dick Knight
— s of an extraordinary pedestrian fox hunter
Babblers should not be kept
Bag foxes, of
Barometer, vaiiations of the
Beagle, the . . .
'■ ■! the lap-dog . .
— — — the genuine .
Bite of a dog, remedy for the
of the adder, remedy for
Bleeding
Blood, to stop an effusion of .
— — — difference of opinion respecting
■ the subject of, considered
Blood hound, old English
Bluecap, an extraordinary fox hound
Boar, hunting the wild
Breeding in an in
Burns, remedy for
Canker in the lips
Casting round sheep .
Chase, methods of pursuing the, in France an
Check, coming to a .
Circumstance, extraordinary, of a young fox hou
Cold hunting, of . . ,
Cold .....
Convulsions . .
Cough .....
Country, change of, injurious to hounds
Cubs, breeding of . . ,
of diseased, or mangy
D
Darlington, Lord, as a huntsman
Dean, Will, anecdote of
Discipline, kennel . .
Diseases of hounds and methods of cure
Distemper, the ....
appearances of, on dissection
the cow pock will not prevent the
Dog's age . . . ,
England compared
nd bitch
169
148
298
225
199
244
39
ibid
215
79
86
73
76
175
181
55
53
281
51
89
75
165
295
194
166
194
74
71
74
197
199
201
155
169
122
54,57
58
61
68
55
INDEX.
309
Draper, Squire, a celebrated fox-hunter, and his daughter Di
Dumb madness ••....
Page
20, 21
104
Edward I. the first Engh'sh fox hunter ,
English hounds superior to those of France
16
276
Feeding, of
Feeder, of the .
Feet, sore
Films in the eye . .
Fleas, to destroy . .
Foil, hunting the . .
Formica . . .
Foxes, likely places to try for them
running the roads
bag, of • • .
purchasing, condemned
of digging
Fox hound, the
speed of the . .
of the olfactory organs of the
Fox hounds, of . .
Sir Tatton Sykes's
impropriety of entering young, at hare
the Badsworth
the Duke of Rutland's
———^ the Cheshire (Sir H. Mainwaring's)
extraordinary speed of
obedience indispensable in
— — the manner in which they should draw
of casting . . ;
coming to a fault
being left to themselves .
Fox hunting, old method of . .
• superior to all other diversions
Fox, recovering a hunted, wlien scent fails
tired . . . .
running the foil , ; .
trying back for a
- metiiod of drawing a
Gaoler, the fox hound
Glider, the fox hound
G
H
Hair, to bring, upon a scalded part
Halloos, of ... .
Hare hunting
the hounds best calculated for
Hare, the doubles, &c. of the
every, has her particular play
the, should be fairly hunted
. 119
118
79
75
79
250
74
157
160
199
202
203
40
44
. 191
24
25
145
ibid
ibid
. ibid
33
142
156
158
192
. 196
17, 184
. 206
161
162, 193
163
167
204
42
ibid
79
193, 195
207, 209
216
210
211
214
310
INDEX.
Hare finders
. ■ of the pursuit of the . .
Hares, of chopping
Harriers should be well matched in speed
— — — should be kept to their own game
of casting . . ,
various kinds of
Heel, of running back the
Hound, form of the
Hounds, of various
- diseases of, and methods of cure
- quarrelsome . . .
. - breeding of . . .
-I young, treatment of
■ young, should be fed twice a day
— — — of chastising
casting themselves
^. individual character of the .
French method of training
Hunting, the progress of
- improved in this country by the Saxons and Normans
of our ancestors • . . . .
terms of Norman origin ...
summer i . ....
spring, censured
Huntsman, the duty of a
what constitutes a perfect
should draw up wind . ,
Huntsmen, modern, notices of several
slow, improper for fox hounds
Hydrophobia
Page
219
220
219
213
218
224
229
217
50
39,43
. 54
53
45
52
55
130
164
212
286
9, 16
10
11, 1'2
12
141
197
21, 147
168
187
150
152
90
Impressions, importance of first
Inflammation
140
78
K
Kennel, of the - - _
two recommended
. interior of the
— — appendages to the
■ stoves of essential service in the
'—— the Quorndon
' the Duke of Rutland's
> ' discipline
Kibble, the ...
Knight, Dick, anecdotes of
26
27
28
30
ibid
51
32
122
39
149
Lameness in the shoulder
Lice, to destroy
Lounger, a celebrated fox hound
Madcap, a famous fox hound
Madness, dumb
M
112
79
54,43
54, 45
104
INDEX. 311
Page
Mange, the common _ - - - - 83
the red - - .... 84
Meeting, the ancient and modern hour of - - - 23
an early hoar of, favourable to sport - - - 174
Megrim ..._--- 72
Merkin, an extraordinary fox hound bitch - - • 53
Moody, the famous whipper-in - - - • 192
Meynell, Hugo, Esq. of Quorndon, a celebrated fox hunter - 22
his opinions respecting fox hunting - 1 75
N
Names of hounds -- - - - - 113
Oatmeal, preferable to barley flour for hounds - - - 119
bread dust, a substitute for . _ _ 120
Observations on the mischievous propensities of the fox - - 305
Opinion cf an old sportsman _ _ . . 209
Otter hunting -._---. 257
P
Fack, number of the - - - - 215
Pedestrians, hare hunting favourable to - - - - 229
Poison, remedy for hounds that have taken - - .. 80
■ antidote for vegetable - - -^ - - 81
Physicing hounds - - - - - 125
R
Riding to hounds - - -- - -188
S
Scalds, remedy for ----- - 89
Scent, of -------240
- smallness of the particles of - - - - 241
effect of the atmosphere on . . - - 242
influence of the frost on - - - - 246
difference of, in the same animals - - - - 248
— — motion the principal cause of. , •.. 249
Somervile's opinion of. 251
Beckford's opinion of. ibid
——— rich land favourable to 254
Influence of the wind on 255
— ^ erroneous notion respecting the, of different animals 256
Shoulder, lameness in the 112
Sickness, remedy for 82
Smell, the sense of, in dogs 41
— — to recover the sense of. 80
Sore feet 79
Speed and music, of. 250
Sportsmen, of the old Norman 15, 14, 15, 16
Sprains 75
Stag, chase of a, by Richard 1 255
Stag hound, the 39
Stag hounds, the Earl of Derby's 44, 232
Stag hunting * 231
31^ INDEX.
Page
Stag Hunting, ancient method of. 233
of Queen Elizabeth 234
St. Clair, William de, extraordinary chase by 236
Stomach, foul ^^
Style of fox hounds running ^°^
Swellings '^
T
Talbot, the ^^*
Terriers, of the sort best suited for foxhunting ^05
Thorns, for extracting '^
W
Wager, an extraordinary 2j6
Wanton, an extraordinary fox hound bitch 3^
Warren hares.
Warrens, of hare.
227
226
Weather, uncertainty of the, for hunting 245
Whelps, the treatment of. ^'
the naming of. •. ^^
Whipper-in, duty of the ^JP
White-hart-silver ^^^
Wolf-hunting in France 257
. terms employed in '"'^
dogs best adapted for 265
Wolf, manner of dislinguiihing the male from the female 259
of training dogs to hunt the 262, 267
trying for the • • 264
hounds not eager in the pursuit of. -t)5
habits of the V" ^^^
mode of ascertaining whether the hound is on the right scent
of the If
of the discovery of a 269
method of killing the 270
method of hunting and finding the 271,273
method of inducing the, to break cover 272
foims observed at the death of the 275
manner of placing greyhounds for the 269
the blooding of hounds to ••• 274
dogs wounded by the 280
. chase, description of a 2/G
Wolves, when they are in heat 259
. the littering of. 260
places where they litter 261
Worming puppies ^"
Worms ^^
Wounds, and to stop an effusion of blood '"
contused ' '
Y
Yellows, the '"
Young hounds, management of. ^ _
Z of entering ^28, 133,137
of blooding ^^^
Webster Family li'omry of Veterinary Medicine
Cornmlniis School of Veterinary Medicine at
Tufts University
200 Westboro Road
S\lortri Grafton. yA 01536
