Page:Cynegetica.djvu/109

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
Hounds.
93

little: theſe, as their noſes are very tender and not far from the ground, I have often ſeen to make tolerable ſport; but without great care they are flirting and maggotty, and very apt to chaunt and chatter on any or no occaſion: a rabbit, mouſe, or weeſel, will pleaſe them inſtead of lawful game; and, in truth, it is feldom they underſtand (if I may uſe that expreſſion) their buſineſs, or perform their office with judgment or diſcretion.

The mixture of all, or any of theſe, I ſhould judge to be better, eſpecially if a diſtinguiſhable portion of Southern blood be remaining in their veins. The managing the litters I muſt leave to the diſcretion of the 'Squire and his man. But I know by experience a race may be produced, that, by running with leſs ſpeed, will ſurer and ſooner arrive at the end; a race that carry with them a good ſhare of the noſe and ſteadineſs of the deep curtails, the vigour and activity of the chackling Beagle; the ſtrength and toughneſs of the right Buck Hound, and the tuneful voices that are a compound of all; but enough of this.

The