i lie . « is do msm ■•"■■■■. -.. &SIH Vs/^ )jv3k» y" _V^XY j yA, j^^/j \" '^Jcl (. National sportsman, ino. 75 Federal Street, Boston, Mass. THE AMERICAN FOX-HOUND BY HAIDEN C. TRIGG. (FULL CRY) Embracing a History of the Celebrated Trigg, Birdsong and Maupin Strains. PRICE $1.25. HAIDEN C. TRIGG, GLASGOW, KY. Originator of the Trigg Red Fox Dog. PREFACE. I have received of late years so many letters from parties who have come into possession of what has become known as the Trigg Dog, and from others desiring to secure them, that I have at last decided to write this book, intended as a brief history of my dogs and those of Messrs. Birdsong and Maupin from which the Trigg Dog originated. I shall be brief, con- lining myself to facts gathered from my personal acquaint- ance with both Mr. Birdsong and Mr. Maupin and their dogs, and from my numerous correspondence with these and other famous lovers of the chase, extending over thirty-five years. Some of the letters I have submitted herewith, believing they would be interesting and instructive to the new generation of sportsmen. I have the greatest confidence in the strains mentioned herein, hut the different modes of hunting the fox in various .sections require certain qualities to predominate; then, there are "as many men of many minds" as there are dogs of ki high and 1ow t degree." I believe, after twenty-five years acquaintance with them, during which time I have tested their speed, nose, hunting qualities, etc., with representative dogs from nearly every fa- mous pack of the country, and from the evidence of their worth as testified to by many letters from those who have run them after various game in other States, that T have a strain of dogs at least as good as those of their famous ancestors or any of to-day. I know from almost daily experience that I can run to earth or catch the red fox. To those of you who have my dogs, and to you who have other strains, we invite correspondence. I will be glad to exchange information, experiences, etc. Jan. 1, 1890. HAIDEN C. TRIGG. (5) CONTENTS. The Author ( Illustration) 3 Preface 5 Red Fox Horn ( Illustration) 9 The Chase • 11 Business (Illustration) 1" Old and Modern Hounds 19 Gray Fox Horn (Illustration) 21 George L. F. Birdsona (Illustration) 25 "Uncle Wash" Maupin ( Illustration) 29 Birdsong and Maupin Dogs 34 Letters from Famous Hunters 36 "Dick's Dog" (Illustration) 37 Jake (Illustration) 51 Annie ( Illustration) 65 H. C. Trigg's Residence (Illustration) 69 National Meet ( Illustration) 73 Buying and Selling ^9 Death of Hornet ^ Description of Dogs 81 Ned ( Illustration) 85 The Full Cry Pack 87 Twenty-four Years Ago 94 Full Cry Hounds (Illustration) 95 RED FOX HORN. W. J. Morton, Weatherf ord , Tex., to H. C. Trigg, Glasgow, Ky. THE CHASE. " Independent of the pleasure arising from the chase I have always consid- ered a covert side, with hounds that are well attended, to be one of the most lively scenes in nature. The pride of the morning, the meeting of friends, and the anticipation of diversion, contributes to raise the spirits and expand the soul." The English people, for centuries, have indulged in the fox chase and have spent thousands of pounds for the im- provement of the hound. Our ancestors who settled in Virginia and Maryland brought over with them the love of the chase which, at an early day, permeated the States of Georgia, the Carolinas, Kentucky and Tennessee. The sportsmen of these States, in ante-bellum days, were lavish in their expenditures on the improvement of the fox-hound. I think our best strains of dogs to-day are equal, if not superior, to the English, for this country. This, 1 know, is a bold assertion, and may be chal- lenged, but 'tis said that experience is the best of teachers. I have owned and seen many imported dogs, but have yet to see one the superior or equal of our best American ani- mals. This country requires a different dog from England. There, the land is nearly all in a high state of cultivation; the coverts are small and the atmospheric conditions more favorable for holding the scent. The hunters ride to these small covert sides where the fox is known to be located and tind him. With us we must have dogs of superior nose and better ranging qualities, that will go a great distance in our immense woodlands in quest of the game. The large English hound of the same speed in the open w r ould be outfooted by our smaller American dog in the brier-fields and heavy under- growth of our forests. The late turfman, Mr. Harper, was once asked the first requisite of a race horse. "Speed," he answered. "What next?" "More speed," he replied. Not so with the fox- (ii) 12 THE AM ERIC AX FOX-HOUND. hound; he must possess other qualities — ranging, good nose, with judgment, a good tongue, true to the line and dead game. The National Fox Hunters' Association has recently adopt- ed a standard for the American fox-hound. It is certainly pleasing to the eve and desirable to see a pack uniform in size and color, but as nearly all the best packs in this country are owned and maintained by individuals, it will be some years before we can hope to breed with any certainty of get- ting this standard. Few beginners realize the time, trouble and expense it requires to breed, rear or get together a pack of well broke hounds, that can and will kill or drive to earth the red fox in from one to three hours. To begin with, the greatest care and good judgment should be exercised in se- lecting breeders. None but dogs of known ancestry, whose gameness and speed have been tried and tested with others of reputation, should be bred. We put gameness and speed hrst, but there are other qualities almost as important. The breeders should be sound in limb, perfectly healthy, and free of blemishes, with ranging qualities, a good nose and true to the line. It is not always possible to find these requisites combined, as they should be, in one dog, but breed so as to get these as near as possible, and at the same time try to eliminate the objectionable traits. If you have a bitch that is deficient in any one of these qualities you should select for your stud 1 dog one that surpasses in this respect. Thus, by paying close attention to these selections one can, in time, produce with almost a certainty the standard, or his ideal dog. I do not advocate too close in-breeding, though I have known instances of very satisfactory results from such. My Georgia friends, during the sixties, thought so much of the dog "July" that they in-bred him extensively. The result has been the perpetuation of his good points to an amazing extent, and produced a type differing from the dogs of the same parent strain. I have tried the same experiment in breeding ''Forest" to one of his get, and although I have raised five of the puppies THE AMERICAN FOX-HOUND. 13 the result was not satisfactory, none proving equal to either sire or dam. The second or third generations were more sat- isfactory. If possible, the young dog should be reared under your own supervision. For ten years I have made it a rule to al- ways be present when the dogs were fed, or rather to feed (hem myself, and by so doing I gained the affections of my pack, and saw that the more timid ones got their share of the rations. If you wish your kennel well attended, do it your- self; if half-done, get a good man to do it for you. Feed regularly on wholesome food. The youngster can be injured as much by overfeeding with strong rations as by not being fed enough. A puppy fed entirely on meat, or the re- fuse of a slaughter pen, will develop an abnormal neck and head, and become awkward in his actions. After they become old enough to roam, they should be unrestrained. The hound requires more exercise to keep him in condition than any other species of the dog family. The puppy should be en- couraged to chase rabbits as soon as they will give tongue on the trail, and later should be hunted for the gray fox before trying him on a red. This exercise is necessary for the prop- er development of the body and the education of the young dog. Never raise a puppy by himself. I have frequently taken such in my kennels when fifteen or eighteen months old, and it took time and trouble to get them to hark to the pack. If in the country on a farm with hay ricks, straw stacks, shuck pens, out houses, etc., the dog should be allowed to select his own sleeping-place, which he will change often — as sleeping in the same place for a long time without change of bedding will develop disease and vermin. If confined, their beds can not be changed too often. You must exercise great discretion in training young dogs. The experienced sportsman will detect any peculiar traits when first taken to the field. After a few chases, some young- sters will at once abandon rabbits and other game and give 14 THE AMERICAN FOX-HOUND. tongue only on the fox's trail, while others will persist in hunting and giving mouth to all kind of game. Patience must be exercised with this latter class. Some will require severe punishment, while others can be taught best by persuasion. It is a sure sign of a good dog for the puppy to begin hunting early and keep it up persistently. In taking the young dog after his first red fox, it is im- portant that you have well trained dogs in your pack, that will cry nothing but the game desired. The puppy will soon learn their tongues, and, relying on them, will abandon his rabbit and hearken to the first challenge. Silence and patience are the two essential qualifications of the sportsman. Above all things, learn to govern yourself. Hallooing and sounding the horn is indulged in too much by many of the sportsmen. Often have I known men who owned quite handsome packs start out in the morning by blowing their horns and constantly hallooing and keeping up the noise during the entire day. The result is the fox is off before the dogs get up to him. and such packs are noisy and riotous in imitation of their masters. Learn to keep your mouth shut, and only give vent to your feelings when spontaneous and you can not keep it. Much injustice is done dogs by hunting them and expect- ing a run on cold, wintry days, often when the ground is frozen ;md tin 1 conditions altogether unfavorable. There being no scent, the dogs can not possibly carry the trail. They are then criticised, when really the hunters or master is at fault. Our Kentucky climate is not very favorable for hunting. 1 average not more than one good day in seven during the hunt- ing season. The best time for the hunt is early in the morn- ing, when the ground is damp and the temperature not below freezing. The atmosphere should be heavy, with a light southern breeze and a cloudy sky. On such a morning, the pack will run with heads up and sterns down, and will not have to straddle the trail. Gel to the covert by daylight, or as soon thereafter as possible; keep quiet until the game THE AMERICAN FOX-HOUND. 15 is up and running; then, if practicable, ride with your dogs, not getting close enough to interfere with the scent. If the country is such that you are unable to follow, ride to the known crossing. Some prefer night hunting, but to me the sight of the fox, followed by a pack of fleet hounds in full cry, is the most ex- citing scene imaginable. But if you can not spare the time to hunt during the day, night hunting has some decided ad- yantages. In the country I have no diversions, such as thea- ters, lectures and other entertainments, enjoyed by city folks, so I can spend the long winter eyenings in the enjoyment of the chase. The cry made by hounds at night sounds much more musical than by day; the fox stands up longer; the at- mospheric conditions are better; the dogs make fewer faults; stock is at rest, and the game is not so wild and more read- ily found. The fox or dogs are not often seen, but the trained ear of the experienced sportsman knows the tongue of every dog in his pack, and by the way it is given can almost to a certainty place their positions in a race on the darkest night. In this State I have one trouble in killing the fox which is experienced m no other State, to the same extent. A red fox is familiar with every burrow in his territory, which is usually from five to ten miles in extent. Kentucky is so honeycombed with these safe retreats that the fox is at all times in easy reach of some one of them. Frequently, when fairly beaten, he saves iiis life by taking refuge in one of these numerous' holes or caverns, yet I often kill in the open. I am sometimes amused at our Northern friends think- ing that we could neither kill or drive to earth the red fox. Some months ago I received a letter from a member of the Ohicopee Fox Club, of Chicopee, Massachusetts, saying: "I have never yet seen a Southern fox-hound worth the powder to blow his brains out." This gentleman and his club have certainly been imposed upon by some of the unreliable dog dealers to be found all over the country. Never get a dog from a man unless he be a practical and reliable sportsman. 16 THE AMERICAN FOX-HOUND. We would say to our Massachusetts friend in particular, and our Northern friends in general, get on a train and come South, and see for yourselves. You will find the latchstring hanging on the outer wall of every fox hunter in Kentucky, whether he lives in a log cabin or a brick or a stone mansion. The mode and object of hunting the fox in the South dif- fers materially from that of the North. Our style partakes more of the English; we use horses that will and do take fences and stone walls. They are bred to stand our hard, cross-country riding. I delight in the chase itself, and take every means possible to protect the game, never killing un- less fairly caught in the open by the dogs. In the North, where the red fox is more plentiful, the greater pleasure of the chase seems to be in shooting the game. This mode of killing sounds strange to the ears of the Southern sportsman. It is claimed that foxes are so plentiful there and change so often on the dogs that it is difficult to kill or drive them to earth with their dogs. A few years ago, I received a letter from a gentleman north of the Ohio, who claims to be a great lover of the chase and advertises his strain of dogs exten- sively. In replying to him, I made inquiry as to his mode of hunting, whether his country was a good one to ride over, and did he .have horses that were trained to take fences. Replying to my inquiry he said that be "usually hunted in u buggy.'" I dropped his letter in the waste-basket and never replied. Only an octogenarian could be excused for such a turnout. THE AMERICAN FOX-HOUND. 19 OLD AND MODERN HOUNDS. From 1845 to 1800 I owned a pack of those grand old iong-eared, rat-tail, deep-toned, black-and-tan Virginia, fox hounds. In those happy, bygone days I could on a moon- light night ride to the covert side, throw my leg over the pommel of my saddle and listen for hours to the most magnifi- cent music made by the ever-to-be-remembered dogs. But, alas, everything must have an end. In 1860 the red fox first made his advent into my section and the days of these dogs were ended. The coming of the red fox made a great change in the chase. The most important thing was to get a dog thai could successfully walk with him. With me it required years of work, patience, considerable expense, and a world of trouble to gather the desired pack. I am now on the shady side of life and will soon have to bow to the inevit- able. That my strain of dogs, of which I feel a right to be proud, may be preserved, I have consented to give a brief his- tory of them to the sportsmen of America, believing that by great care in selecting, judicious breeding, and constant hunt- ing for the past thirty-five years, I have produced a dog that can successfully compete with the red fox. Tn 1866, I opened correspondence with George L. F. Bird- song, of Thomaston, Georgia, and purchased of him that year and in 1867 the following dogs, paying these prices: Ohase and Bee (by Longstreet) $100.00 George 100.00 Rip 100.00 Fannie 100.00 Lee w T as presented to me. In 1868, I visited Mr. Birdsong and spent a week with him. He was then in feeble health, in fact threatened with that terrible disease, consumption, from which he died the 18th of August the following year. 20 THE AMERICAN FOX-HOUND. He was able to take me on but one bunt, when we caught a red fox in forty-live minutes. I suspected the fox was not in condition to run, and held a post mortem, but found nothing wrong with him. Mr. Birdsong then had in his kennel — we had him in the hunt — a dog that has been talked about a great deal in late years, "July." We also had] in the pack three of his get, 1 think then about three years old, i. c: "Madcap/' "Lightfoot" and "Echo." He also had three yearlings out of "Echo" by his celebrated dog, "Longstreet," i. c. : "Delta," "Dumas," and "David." By begging two days and paying five hundred dol- lars ($500) he let me have "Lightfoot" and "Delta." In addi- tion to these I purchased of Colonel R. H. Ward, of Green county, Georgia, "Forest," by "Boston," paying one hundred dollars, and "Emma" at the same figures. "Rose," a full sis- ter to Echo, by July, and "Hampton," were loaned me. Rose, I returned after she whelped, but Hampton died in my kennel a few months after I received him. In 1807 I visited General G. W. Maupin, of Madison coun- ty, Kentucky, and was present at the great match race be- tween Ben Robinson, of Montgomery county and General Maupin. This meet took place at the Oil Spring, in Clark county, and was much talked about by the hunters every- where at that time. After the race I accompanied General Maupin home, spend- ing several days hunting with him. On my departure I pur- chased of him a young bitch called "Minnie," that was one or two crosses from his celebrated dog, "Tennessee Lead," on one side and the imported English dogs on the other. Colonel C. J. Walker at the same time gave me a young bitch called "Mattie," the pedigree of which is the same as that seen m Colonel Walker's letter herein. Both of these were proud, magnificent f ox-hounds. In 1861), I visited W. L. Waddy and Thomas Ford of Shelby county, who had a splendid pack of the Maupin strain of dogs. TEE AMERICAN FOX-EOUND. I hunted some days with these gentlemen. Mr. Waddy was sc well pleased with my dogs that he requested me on my de- parture to take some of his best dogs with me and test their qualities. I selected three, L S3,* o*/,/,fZ, rrocfc B,KA faagoo d* f „ ai s^enf™ // a i„ C c* f'fAt tool a bttiAJalib**. 6M bnufWromiMftfo if 0.csAt;, maf1nju j„ a} 7W "as* retthlel ~R<,c!orSfcc/c -2 red 6y/ JSy'rdsonei />? /&?-+. 4 S/?au 4//c£ a 6tufiYut'4fat/(eLitd "fine fox fan/id. .Buffi, hm bred ' i •'/? fto mounfows ry//?/85'9- AvfyBic//er tf SJje/>a.rds&»"?. & was J *&/ da? JV&ffe 7ijkf~ nieditoti s/ze. and a food. /(ate irus ired /y \Zyydsoiia r.iediuni -?/^c f*/*f<3J3toc* faff ?£6sZ6/> /eitus was SndSy *y£t;,,dt' Z/acKotd ft* fete for found BaJlai waHfed 6uJ).kV .-.- m./8S8.7?ee'"'fi' ""it/g- 7>jis 2 4ave Sts,w*t«« a Hustle „ % , Phil las was bred eq ftt< tinny- Wa<* tyfe nostreel tras whelmed in /86o ■Reel tyt* mlti n/iife Zt-mtift tie tras a fe >yfr? fox fad/uf 'and 'feryjtst THE AMERICAN FOX-HOUND. 81 DESCRIPTION OF DOGS. Dick's Dog.— Bred by Dick Smith, whelped in L887, 22 inches high, large black and tan, white tips and white breast, ring neck, splendid ranger, fine trailer, dog of great speed and dead game. Jim Sibbins.— Whelped in 1884, medium size black and tan, white points (see letters of Cullam, Morton, and Miller as regards his performance in Texas, where he made a great reputation). Nora. — Black and white spotted, fine fox dog, good breed- er. Wild Goose. — Medium size, black and white, splendid ranger, superior trailer, good tongue, celebrated as a start dog. Minnie. — Black and white, medium size. Couchman. — From Maupin kennel, white and lemon spots; a dog of great speed. Queen. — Bed or tan, white points, noted for speed. Baby. — Tan. slightly black on back, prominent white points, ring neck, 24 inches high, powerfully built, noted for great speed and endurance; considered the finest dog of his day. Scrivner's Waxie. —Old stock, magnificent gray fox dog; noted for ranging qualities, fine trailer and runner. Birdsong. — Was a very large black and tan. Light. — Bred and owned by A. Childress; a good fox dog. Tall. — Bred and raised by Harv. Johnson; black dog with white points. Rip. — Bred by George L. F. Birdsong, fawn colored, dog of very great energy and speed. Ward. — Was sent to me when a puppy by Colonel Ward, of Green county, Georgia ; black, white points, fine fox dog. THE AMERICAN EOX-HOUND. Ltze. — Fawn color, good size, great speed, bred by Dr. Jesse Smith. Bee. — Bred by George L. F. Birdsong, red or tail, white points, superior speed, dead game. Yic. — Bred by Joe White, was a fine dog. Longstreet. — Bred by George L. F. Birdsong, whelped in 1860, thought by Mr. B. to be the fastest dog he ever OAvned, was one of the few dogs that could kill a red fox unaided. See chart. Ward's Flora. — Owned by Colonel R. H. Ward, Green county, Georgia, was a full bred Birdsong and a noted dam, a fine dog. Hampton. — A beautiful red or tan with white points, loaned me by Colonel R. H. Ward, and died in my kennel. See letter regarding his superior qualities. Wade Hampton. — Was presented to Colonel Ward by Wade Hampton, of South Carolina. Raiby. — Was from the kennel of Colonel Maupin, white with black and tan spots, strongly built, of great speed and endurance. The best Maupin dog, "Minnie" excepted, ever in my kennel. Bee No. 2. — Medium size, black and tan, a splendid red fox dog. Julia. — A black and tan noted for her ranging and trail- ing qualities, was a fine dog. Tempest. — Medium size black and tan, owned by Dr. Jesse Smith. Tennessee Lucian. — Imported from Tennessee by S^th Kinslow ; was a very fine dog. Old Forest. — Black and tan, bred and raised by Colonel R. H. Ward, of Georgia. Secured when four years old. A magnificent red fox dog. Could and did catch red foxes alone and unaided. Fannie. — Fawn color, medium size, bred by Mr. Birdsong, a beautiful animal with symmetry of a greyhound. See letter of Mr. Robinson's. THE AMERICAN FOX-HOUND. 83 Reel.— Presented to Colonel Ward by Mr. Birdsong, three- fourths Irish, one-fourth "Maryland;" a very excellent fox hound. Boston.— Owned by Colonel Ward and a noted sire of fine fox hounds. Willis.— Was out of a Virginia dog and slut, and a very superior animal. Bella.— Was dark fawn in color. Owned by Melvin Lowry, who got her when a puppy from Mr. W. F. Trigg. Greeley. — Medium size, black and tan a game fox dog. Hargrove's Queen. — Light red, a good dog. Riele.— Black and tan, white points, a splendid ranger, fine trailer and dead game. Jones' Della. -Pale red, fine size, with great speed and endurance. Chase.— Whelped in 1865, purchased with Bee from Mr. Birdsong. Was a light red with white points, noted as a supe- rior fox dog and sire. One of the best dogs ever in my kennel. Maupin's Minnie. — Small in size, white with black and tan spots, very compactly built, was noted for her great speed and endurance. Her grand sire and dam both by Colonel Maupin's celebrated dog Tennessee Lead. The Kinslow Bitch was a full Birdsong and a fine fox dog. Trigg. — Black and tan, fine size, one of the best fox dogs of his day. Lead. — Black and tan, noted for his speed and endurance. Dallas. — White, black and tan spots, good dog. Jepson's Annie. — Owned by Dr. J. J. Jepson, bred by George Haefer of Jefferson county, Kentucky. A dog of great speed and endurance, noted as being the dam of many fine fox dogs. Haefer's Brenda— White, black and tan spots, purchased from Colonel Maupin and said to be one of the finest dogs of her dav. 84 THE AMERICAN FOX-HOUND. Little Annie.- -Bred in Georgia by Colonel Ward, whelped in my kennel in 1868. She was noted for her hunt- ing qualities and was a fine fox hound. Her produce were all good dogs. Rose. — Bred and owned by Colonel Ward, sent me in whelp and returned. She was by the celebrated dog July and poa. sessed many of his good qualities. Tennessee Crowner. — Was a very large black and tan dog brought from Tennessee by Sam Duncan, noted for his hunt- ing and trailing qualities. This dog and Tennessee Lucian were very probably of the same parent stock as Mr. Maupin's famous Tennessee Lead. Kinslow^s Ida. — Black, medium size, one of the best fox- hounds of her day, dam of many fine dogs. Fannie. — Red and tan, medium size and a good dog. Trump. — Black and tan, white points, a fine hunter, very speedy and game. Rock. — Secured for a stud dog from Garrard county. Was white and black spotted, of good size. We lost him on the first hunt in a fox cave. Mercy. — Was a full Maupin bitch, direct from Mr. Mau- pin's kennel. Hodo. — Was bred by Birdsong in 1853, black, white tips, 26 inches high. There is an error in the chart of Dick's Dog; Jim Sibbins, was out of Fannie. Fannie was out of Delia, by Trump, Trump was by Rock, out of Mercy. Rock and Mercy were full Maupin. Lou. — Was full sister to Butler and came from Maryland. See description of Butler in chart of Longstreet. Brunette. — Was bred by Birdsong in 1850. Kit. — AVas a stray bitch, in Jones county. Hodo, Jr. — Was bred bv Ridglev and raised bv Alexander. THE AMERICAN FOX-HOUND. 87 (From the Sportsman Review.) THE FULL CRY PACK. "Ancient history has been read, And stories have been told Of how Moss caught his mare, It was in the days of old. Oh, he was as cunning as a fox, And as crafty as a hare, And I'll tell you bye and bye How Moss caught his mare." — From an Old Song. There is a demand just now for everything pertaining to field sports, and especially as regards the most exciting and healthful of them all — fox hunting. The praises of favorite dogs have been sung until their names have become famous; but, while reading with interest and pleasure of the wonderful achievements of Hodo, July, Old Kate, and others, T have felt a desire to give to the lovers of sport something of the history of what I, at that time, con- sidered the ideal hound- -certainly one of the fastest and gamest of his kind. Recognizing my inability to do my favorite justice in print, I have taken every opportunity to recount the wonderful things Old Waxie accomplished to fellow sportsmen, around camp fires, or on any occasion where the subjects of the chase were being discussed. Having be- come thoroughly familiar with the history, if not worried with its repetition, my friends will no longer listen quietly to the telling of it, and will take themselves off the minute Old Waxie's name is mentioned. Having no one to tell it to now, 1 will endeavor to write an account of one of his many achieve- ments for the benefit of those who never heard of or were so fortunate as to know this wonderful dog. It was about the year '82. I had returned from college to spend the holidays and brought home with me a fellow student and chum. My friend had never been on a hunt; in fact, had been reared in a city, and his experience with 88 THE AMERICAN FOX-HOUND. horse and saddle was limited to a few rides around the suburbs of Memphis. He had read and heard of what great sport it was to ride to hounds, and a few days after our arrival, when I suggested we go for a day's hunt, he was delighted with the idea, and could scarcely eat or sleep in anticipation of the chase. At that time I had no dogs myself, but had often gone with my uncles, H. C. and William F. Trigg, both of whom had famous packs of the Bird song and Maupin strain of hounds, and I knew either would be glad to go or let me hunt their dogs. Uncle Will Trigg lived eight miles in the country, and when I spoke to Uncle Haiden about the proposed hunt, he suggested that 1 go that evening to his brother's and join himself and my friend the next morning about daybreak. The "Wade Cave" was to be the meeting place, a famous resort for the red fox, and at that time the home of an old red that had been in the habit of giving a pack of dogs about all they cared for before taking to earth. This cave was sit- uated in deep Avoods, about midway between town and my uncle's place in the country. After arranging for Charlie Goodwin — my friend— to ^ to Uncle Haiden for the night, so as lo be up for an early start, I mounted my horse about dark, and arrived at Uncle Will's for late supper. I told him the object of my visit, and he seemed delighted at the pros- pect of beating his brothers pack with "Trump" and "Polly," his two best dogs. There was between them the greatest rivalry as to the merits of their individual dogs, and though they had the same blood, and would combine their packs to defeal others, the question of which had the fastest dog was never satisfactorily settled. After seeing that his pack were securely shut up to prevent them from going out for a run on their own account that night, we turned in, but were up be- fore any signs of daybreak. After a substantial breakfast of ham and eggs, corn cakes and a cup of strong coffee, we un- kenneled and fed the dogs and started for the appointed meet- ing place. We had with us "Trump," a magnificent sped- THE AMERICAN FOX-HOUND. 89 men of the Maupin strain, and his little mates, "Charlie," "Smoker" and "Jake." We also had two of Trump's get, out of a full Birdsong bitch, "Mel" and "Polly," about eighteen months old. "Trump" was at the head of the pack, but "Polly." though young, had shown unusual speed and gameness. When within about a mile of the cave, and just as signs of day were appearing, "Trump," who had been leaping leisurely along in front of our horses, stopped short, and after listening for a second, went off down the road at full speed, followed by the rest of the dogs, but in silence. W r e reined up and could distinctly hear the pack of the other party in full cry about a mile and a half from us, and making for the cave a little to our left. We put spurs to our horses and ran for that point, but when half a mile from it we heard Trump and his mate "put in" ahead of the pursuing pack, and so close to the fox that he had evidently to take the cave or lose his life. Both parties arrived there a few minutes later. Uncle Haiden was of the opinion that he had run upon a youngster on his return from a marauding expedition during the night, and that we would find the old runner in the big woods to the south of the cave, his favorite covert. My friend Goodwin was in high glee, having enjoyed the short spin after the young fox immensely, and was anxious to jump one that would stand before the hounds longer. Uncle Haiden had brought with him "Scott," "Trigg," "Waxie," "Wildgoose," "Rachel; 1 "Bug," "Hornet," "One Eye," and "Wonder," nil well trained and tried in many a hard race, where speed and gameness were tested to the ut- most. We lost little time, but started for the big woods, hoping to find the old fellow before the heavy frost of that night should be dried on leaves and grass by the morning sun. Be- tween us and the big woods was a smaller clump of trees in- terspered with an undergrowth of briars and bushes. Be- 90 THE AMERICAN FOX-HOUND. fore reaching these we heard the fierce challenge of "Trump," followed almost immediately by the cry of the entire pack, which went away so rapidly that Ave knew they were running, and close on the game. Feeling sure that they had unkenneled the old fox, we galloped rapidly to the top of the hill on the edge of the big woods in which direction the dogs had gone. They had already passed over the hill, and were a mile beyond, making for an old field of sage grass and briars, through which the fox always ran to the bluff of a creek beyond before returning. Knowing where he would cross after his double on the bluff, we started to ride leisurely to the point. We had gone but a few hundred yards when we were surprised to hear the dogs returning over a route thick with bushes and fallen trees, and one the old red never took. They were dodging in among these rough places, but making such a cry as indicated they were close on their game, which was surely in distress and endeavoring to elude them by making short doubles. We were considerably mystified at such capers being cut by a fox that had more than once given us several hours of running in the open woods and fields before taking to earth. We were not to remain in doubt long, however, for the dogs were now closer to us, and by the savage cry made we knew they were in sight of the fox, though sheltered from our view by the bushes. We watched with bated breath, expect- ing to see the fox break from the covert and make across the field to our right but instead we heard that peculiar cry made by the gray fox when caught. We knew then that we had been mistaken, and that we had caught some chance or stray gray fox that happened to be out of his accustomed haunts. This proved correct. Dismounting and making our way to the spot where they had stopped in the branches of a fallen tree, T found one of the largest gray dog foxes I ever saw. They had caught him in about twenty minutes run. Though we had had two races, the sun was just showing, and we concluded to ride to the far edge of the woods where THE AMERICAN FOX-HOUND. 91 we knew we would find the trail of the old runner should he have been frightened from his covert by the cry of the pack after the gray. Sure enough, there we found where he had slipped out down a small branch lined with willows. The first challenge came from Scott this time, and was given in that clear, musical tone which, when repeated rapidly, as he gave it when on a warm trail, immediately brought every dog- in his hearing to him and filled a sportsman's entire being with that indescribable feeling that always takes possession when he realizes the game in sight, the sport about to begin and certain to be good. The pack made for the bluff led by Scott, the others having all fallen in with the exception of Trump, who had made for the bluff at once, knowing that there he was sure to find the game. He did strike fully a hundred yards ahead, but his challenge, resembling the cry of a. brant given rapidly, was known to the others and they im- mediately hearkened to him. The scent had freshened, and before they reached the top of a hill beyond the bluff where the fox had turned sharp to the left, they were well together and running on a hot trail. We rode to the upper end of the bluff and sighted the fox as he came down and crossed the creek and made up through the open woods. He did not seem particularly concerned regarding his future prospects in life. His gait was more of a leisurely gallop than a run. He carried his brush, which was well tipped with white, straight out behind, and being a very bright golden red, he presented a sight long to be remembered by those who saw him as he passed through the bright spots of forest made by the rays of the newly risen sun. The dogs came about four hundred yards behind. Having their joints well limbered up in the two previous runs, they were setting a lively pace and one well calculated to soon re- mind Mr. Red that this was not his usual morning exercise. Trump was in the lead, which fact brought a cheering halloo to him from his master, but Scott, Trigg, Waxie, Wildgoose and Pollv were well bunched close up, with the others yelp- TEE AMERICAN FOX-EOUND. ing at their heels. The fox led through the woods and to- ward the Wade cave. We galloped behind to the road on the edge of the woods, and knowing that the old fellow was feeling too good to lake to shelter so soon, the country inter- vening being very rough, we concluded to await the return. We heard the pack pass over the ridge and go into the deep hollow at the head of which was the cave. They went out of our hearing and for a minute we feared he had gone in, but no. There's a cry; is it "Trump" or "Trigg?" — two men at least differ widely — followed by the full crying pack as they rise the hill beyond, and turn to the left circling for the return. They are two miles from us, but we can hear them distinctly. We know just Avhere they will come into the field in front of us. They have gone six or seven miles and are warming to their work. They have cer- tainly lessened the distance between them and the fox. Every nerve strung to the highest pitch, we sit in silence, our horses close together. Not a word is spoken, except Avhen Uncle Will says something about "Watch for Trump to come over the fence first," which causes his brother to smile as if such a thing was impossible. The dogs are now in the woods where we unkenneled the gray, and the fox must soon show him- self in the field. Yes, there he comes, on to the rail fence. He pauses just a second and glances back as if to satisfy himself he could make across the field without showing him- self to his pursuers. He must have concluded there was little time to lose as he bounded off and with tremendous leaps made for the cover of the woods on the opposite side. We lose all interest in his foxship now, as we watch that panel of fence to see what dog comes over first. The woods ring with echoes, as the flying pack rush for the fence. They are there; "Scott" and "Trump" come over as if they were yoked together, so close that no advantage can be claimed for either by their respective owners; but "Trigg" and "Waxie," "Polly" and "Bug" are over and in the field almost as soon. The fox has left a blazing scent on the damp, dead grass of the pasture. THE AMERICAN FOX-HOUND. 93 They run with heads up, giving tongue at every leap. They are all over the fence now and it is two hundred yards across the field. Here is a chance to test speed. We sit like statues and almost as quiet. "Trump" and "Scott" start across neck and neck. Neither can gain a hair's breadth on the other. I keep my eye on "Waxie;" I know this is the time for him. He lias run long enough behind. Yes, he is gaining. He has passed "Trigg" and challenged the leaders. He has lapped them by half a length. "Waxie" is my favorite and I unconsciously urge my horse a step forward. His master is watching him, too, and reaches for his hat, which goes into the air with an ear-splitting yell which seems to lift the gallant fellow over the fence a full length in front of the leaders. We put spurs to the impatient horses who are as much enthused as their riders, and attempt to follow through the woods. One might as well attempt to catch the shadow of a pass- ing vulture; before we are to the branch they are on the bluff and the echoes which come back tell us with what confidence they are running. The fox doubles behind the top of the hill and turns our way. We look out for him. but he turns the crown of the hill once more, evidently afraid to trust him- self to the open woods again. Old fellow, you have come to that bluff once too often and you begin to realize it when too late. You must do something. Here he comes down the bluff and across the creek, making a last desperate effort to reach the cave three miles away, where he has so often found shelter. Yes, there came Waxie — his peculiar "Ku-Ku" given with such fierce defiance to the flying pack twenty yards in his rear that I must rejoice with him. I let out a great "Halloo!" He looks up and catches sight of his game fifty years ahead. His mouth shuts like a jack-knife and we, sitting there on the bank of the stream, witness the greatest burst of speed ever seen. Before the fox is aware of his danger, the now silent Waxie is within ten steps of him. He hears his approaching feet, looks back and seems to abandon all hope of escape, for 94 THE AMERICAN FOX-HOUND. he suddenly turns and is caught between the glistening teeth of one of the fastest and gamest dogs that ever followed a horn. Gone Away. Glasgow. Ky., Feb. 22, 1895. (From American Field.) TWENTY-FOUR YEARS AGO. BY FULL CRY. Startled from a sound sleep by a loud knock at my chamber door, I heard a voice say : "Hello, MarseHade!" -Who is that?" "Me- Sam." -What time is it, Sam?" "Dunno, 'cept I knows it's 'bout time youse up. I)e mornin' stair's up. the chickens dun crow'd fur day, and ole Foris a- talkin' down ter de ken'l." "Sam, what kind of a morning is it?" "It's des de kine youse allers talkin' 'bout so much. De win's in de souf, an' de sky as cloudy. W'at you gwine ter ride, Marse Hade?" "I guess I had better ride Black Fox, Sam.'' "Dat 'pens on whar you gwine ter go." "We will try the old fellow on the mountain this morn- ing." "J)em cliffs er monstrus high, en' de gullies er powerful deep. I spec' Wile Bill is de best boss ter take dem leaps." "All right, Sam, I will ride Wild Bill, and you can ride Black Fox.'' ik Xo sar. wid yo' purmission I'm gwine ter ride ole Gab- THE AMEBIC AN FOX-HOUND. 97 ' re ll» — a mule — "heze sho-footed en can go inter de deepes' gullies, and clime de steepes' mountins, en neber fall wid dis nigger." "All right, you can ride Gabe. Wake Eliza and tell her to get us a cup of coffee." "Lor 7 , Marse Hade, Lize bin up fo' de mornin' stair en dun got everything reddy. She dun cooked de pa'tridges and got de coffee bilinV "All right, I will be down in a few minutes." While at the breakfast table, enjoying quail on toast, soft boiled eggs and a cup of coffee, Sam entered. "Marse Hade, Ize dun fed de bosses and give de dorgs sump'n fer to stay der stuinmucks, coz dey go'nter have de wurk cut out fer dem terday. Yo' 'aint got nun dat old corn juice, have you, Marse Hade? It wild help dis nigger pow'fully." "There is the bottle, Sam, help yourself; here is some sugar." '"Great Jehoserfac, Marse Hade, Sam ain't gwine ter never spile medicine like dis wid nuffin." "All right, Sam; eat your breakfast quick, then get the horses and let us be off." "Yes, sah." While enjoying a Partaga T inquired of Sam what hounds we should take. "Well, sah, fus en formus we must take de ole Gen'ril" — meaning Forest — "den Whitefoot, Cricket, Chase, Bee, Money, Baby. Rip, Minnie en Matt." "What about Fannie, Sam?" "She wus lame, nn' de pups can't keep in her'n dis'unce after dat ole trav'ler." "All right. Let the others out." And out they came, ten as game and fleet fox-hounds as ever followed me to the field, trained and drilled like a com- pany of soldiers. After expressing their delight by a few yelps, as if to say "good morning," we were off to the grounds, eight miles distant. I looked at my watch; it was 4:10 a. m. 98 TEE AMERICAN FOX-HOUND. Wild Bill and Gabe were enthused as much as riders and hounds. We went at a slow gallop, and the hounds knew full well where they were going. They kept close up, going neither to right nor left, and not a sound from one of them. "Ride up, Sam. Sam, I intend to beat the General this "No, sah. I>at dorg nev'r did live what cud shake his tail in ole Foris' face." "Yes, I think Baby and Chase can do it to-day." "No, sah, dey nev'r will git ole >nuf fer dat." T struck a match and looked at my watch. It was just 5:20 and growing brighter in the east. We had reached the grounds, and not a hound had left the road. "Now, Sam, go down to the cave" — distant half a mile — "and remain there until you hear the horn. Don't let him in." It was the custom of this fox after standing up from one to three hours to take to this, and only this, cave. I was de- termined that morning to kill him or make him find another burrow. After Sam had had time to get to the cave I gave the word and the pack was oft'. I rode up on the knob (though called a mountain), and when 1 reached the top not a hound was in sight or to be heard. It was indeed a typical morning for the sport; a gentle breeze from the south, the ground damp from recent rains, the last of November, and all things favorable. I struck a match to light a cigar, and looked at my watch; it was 5:40, when hark! the first challenge conies from Chase (the son of old Longstreet). It was daylight by now, and Baby answered two hundred yards to the left. Every hound knew when Baby spoke it was time to be getting there, for the game was not far off. Forest now challenged, still to the left and repeated vapidly, as much as to say, "We are off, fall into line and follow." Chase was already with him. Baby moved up, followed by the gallant little Minnie with her clear tenor notes that seemed to lend wings to Whitefoot and • TEE AMERICAN FOX-HOUND. 99 Cricket as they passed me at breakneck speed and soon spoke out. Money also joined them. Bee was there, and Mattie. Yes, and then Rip, with his deep bass accompaniment. I dis- mounted, girthed my saddle tighter, and examined stirrups and bridle, for I knew the ride was to be hard and the route rough. I had followed the same fox a dozen times before. The scent was growing warmer every minute, and each hound was now playing well its part. I knew each and every mouth as well as Theodore Thomas knew the instruments in his orchestra. The pack emerged from the woods and en- tered a large field, in the center of which were twenty or thirty acres of briars and bushes, and T rode rapidly to the far side in time to see the fox slip out. The hounds were now in the bushes; now they reached the spot, here they come, with heads up and sterns down, running as if they were in sight in- stead of being four or five hundred yards from their game, and away they go into another body of woods. Knowing where the fox would double and cross back I rode to the point and listened. Yes, they are coming. After a few minutes he comes in sight, his brush extended and looking like a staff of gold tipped with ivory; and here comes the gallant pack, all up, each and every hound doing his best for the trail (I was glad Sam was not there, for Forest was slightly in the lead) . They had gained very little, if any, on the fox, and off to the right of the knob they went. I rode rapidly to the left and near the cave. Then T heard them swing around toward me. The fox saw me, however, and swung to my left, and I failed to see either fox or pack, but they went near enough to Sam for him to see the hounds. T put spurs to my horse and was going to where the fox unkenneled, when I heard : "Oh ! hole on dar, Marse Hade !" I looked back and saw Sam on Gabriel coining at breakneck speed, and I called out: "Stop, Sam. Where are you going?" "No whar, sah. I jess want'r tell de God's trufe." "Well, what do you want to tell?" 100 THE AMERICAN FOX-HOUND. "Well, sail, 'fo' God it's de trufe." "What is it? Tell me and go back to the cave." "Well, Marse Hade, I'm de li'ness nigger ever wuz ef Foris wuz'nt fli'n'." "Well, weren't the other hounds flying too?" "Yes, dey wuz, but Foris wuz tliV de hi'es'. Den Baby en Whitefoot en al'em ; but dey never will shake der tails in Foris' face." T lost five minutes with Sam, and failing to see them through the field I made for the point where I saw him on his return. I could hear them coming. There he goes, over the same line! And here comes the pack. They had gained considerably, and the fox was not three hundred yards to the good. ( Glad again that Bam was not present.) The hounds were all well bunched and were running to kill. Away I went with them, though not saying a word (silence is the first qualification of a true sportsman), and for two miles I rode behind them. Forest was still leading, with Whitefoot sec- ond, Money, Chase Minnie and Baby bunched ; and Rip, Cricket and Mattie from fifty to one hundred yards to the rear. I swung round the knob and turned the fox from the cave. Sam failed to see fox or hounds but called out as I passed him: "How is dey makin' hit?" "I will beat Forest yet. Stay at the cave." "Dey'll never shake der tails in dat ole dorg's face." Over the fence into the field came the hounds, and in about the same positions, except that Baby had moved up to second place and was close to Forest. 1 now went to the opposite side of the field, and along he came, his brush no longer carried defiantly in the air; he carried it low down now, as he went into the woods, the pack evidently gaining. The hounds fol- lowed into the woods, and the fox doubled and re-entered the twenty acres of briars and bushes. There the pack was within one hundred yards of him. I galloped to the opposite side, expecting him to make for the cave; though he doubled among the briars, a sure sign he was in trouble. Out he came and THE AMERICAN FOX-HOUND. 101 only half a mile to the cave. He entered the woods, and then commenced the race for life. As the pack passed me I gave the first halloo. Then I charged the fence and got over all right. I could see, though, the pack had not yet caught sight of the fox. To the cave he went, and I wished he could get in this time; but Sam kept him out, and he made for the top of the knob. The pack was now in sight and must soon kill. They passed over the top of the knob and stopped. Riding to the spot, instead of a dead fox I found he had taken refuge in the root of an immense poplar tree. Up came Sam on Gabe, screaming like a madman, and falling from his mule he seized Forest in his arms. "I tole you so. Yes, sah, I did. Use seed hit befo'en I no'd I'd see hit ergin terday!" -What did you tell me, Sam?" "Dat dar wuz no livin' dorg what cud shake his tail in ole Foris' face." "Sam, what shall we do?" "Marse Hade, old Foris dun beat dis fox on de squar' en lie mils' tase his blood." Unlike the English sportsman, I could not resist the temp- tation to bolt this fox. He had been fairly beaten and I agreed with Sam that the gallant pack should enjoy their hard-earned victory. I suggested that we let Minnie (she be- ing small enough to enter the hole) go in and drive him out. But instead, the fox drove her out with a badly lacerated and bloody face. "What shall we do now, Sam?" "Let's put Min and Bee bofe in, en dey'll fetch' im." "All right, Sam; let them go." In Minnie went with Bee and the fight was renewed, last- ing ten or fifteen minutes, when the brave little bitches came out, dragging with them the dead fox. Upon examination I found the toenails of this fox had been worn off by the fre- quent long runs I had given him. Glasgow, Ky. Webster > : ary Medicine Cumn sary Medicine af Tufts ?nn v . ■/■ r^ /