dogs at ten, but do not let them looſe during the trail, but, keeping them tied in long leather ſlips, ſuffer them to follow the dogs that are trailing, letting them alſo go over the ſcent.
And, when the Hare is found, if the puppies promiſe to have much foot, they ſhould not be let ſlip immediately, but, when the Hare is got fo far as to be out of ſight, then they may be let go. For, if thoſe, who are high-mettled and ſwift of foot, are let go while the Hare is near, and catch a view, being very eager, they will be apt to ſtrain themſelves before their limbs have ſufficient ſtrength; therefore the Huntſman ſhould be very cautious of this. But, if they are ſlow of foot, nothing hinders their being let ſlip directly; for, having no hopes of catching their game, they will not be ſo eager, but they may be permitted to follow the courſe the Hare takes, by the foot, till ſhe is ſtarted again, and if ſhe is taken they ſhould be permitted to [1] tear her.
- ↑ "I think it but reaſonable to give the hounds a Hare ſometimes. I always gave mine the laſt they killed, if I thought they deſerved her."— Beckford's Thoughts on Hunting.
