Here I must remind you, that those ferrets that have
been brought up to rabbiting are seldom of any use for
ratting. The reason is plain. In rabbit-hunting they are
in the habit of having everything their own way, and never
receive a bite for their trouble. But when put to ratting,
and they get punished, they often bustle out much quicker
than they went in ; and in many cases will never enter
another rat-hole as long as they live. I have been let in by
gamekeepers and their feiTcts in this way. Some of them
you could not get into a hole^ unless you crammed them in ;
and then it was like cramming a cat into a boot ; as for
hunting, that was out of the question. Then others, again,
were cowed the first time they were punished, and were good
for nothing after. The consequence was, I resolved never
after to buy either dog or ferret, till I saw them fairly tried ;
and if you take my advice you will do the same. But I
must tell you that I never yet saw an old ferret, however
good, that would face a full-grown rat that had backed into
a small hole. He will work his head to and fro as if giddy ;
and the instant the rat turns, he will attack him ; but never
while the rat is facing him with open mouth. I have had
resolute young ferrets attempt it the first time, but never
the second.
