ngles, (1) and the collar should be broad and soft so as not to
rub the dog's coat; the leash should have a noose for the hand, (2) and
nothing else. The plan of making collar and leash all in one is a clumsy
contrivance for keeping a hound in check. (3) The surcingle should be
broad in the thongs so as not to gall the hound's flanks, and with spurs
stitched on to the leather, to preserve the purity of the breed. (4)

(1) {stelmoniai}, al. {telamonias}, broad belts or girths, corselets.
Pollux, v. 55.

(2) Pollux, v. 56.

(3) Lit. "since those who make the collar out of the leash do not keep
hold (al. take care) of their hounds well."

(4) See "A Day with Xenophon's Harriers," "Macmillan's Mag." Jan.
1895, p. 183.

As to taking the hounds out to hunt, no hound ought to be taken out
which refuses its food, a conclusive proof that the animal is ailing.
Nor again, when a violent wind is blowing, for three good reasons: the
scent will not lie, the hounds cannot smell, (5) neither the nets nor
hayes will stand. In the absence, however, of any of these hindrances,
take them out every other day. (6) Do not let your hounds get into the
habit of hunting foxes. Nothing is so ruinous; and just at the moment
when you want them, they will not be forthcoming. On the other hand,
vary the hunting-ground in taking them out; which will give the pack a
wider experience in hunting and their master a better knowledge of the
country. The start should be early in the morning, unless the scent is
to fail the hounds entirely. (7) The dilatory sportsman robs the pack of
finding and himself of profit. (8) Subtle and delicate by nature, scent
will not last all day.

(5) "You cannot trust the hound's nose."

(6) "Every third day," {dia trites tes emeras}.

(7) Lit. "in order that they may not be deprived of following up the
scent."

(8) Or, "a late start means the hounds will be robbed of a find and
the huntsman of his reward."

The net-keeper should wear a light costume. His business is to fix the
nets about the runs, (9) paths, bends, and hollows, and darksome spots,
brooks, dry torrents, or perennial mountain streams. These are the
places to which the hare chiefly betakes itself for refuge; though there
are of course endless others. These, and the side passages into, and
exits from them, whether well marked or ill defined, are to be stopped
just as day breaks; not too early, so that, in case the line of ne