4 MARCH 1938, Page 21

[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] SIR, When I read

discussions about the pros and cons of foxhunting, it always strikes me as odd that I find very little written about the principal of the piece—the foxhound. If a dog could convey his thoughts to us on such a subject, would he choose to live his life without ever hunting anything, or would he say that in such conditions he would not mind if he never came alive at all ? Since he cannot speak, what will we, in our wisdom, choose for him ? If hunting live vermin is contrary to good ethics, will we see to it that no more dogs

are bred ? Or will we breed them or let them breed, and on occasion feed them, but see to it that they never hunt anything ?

Until this question is solved, I like to remember many wonderful things which I have been privileged to see : among the most wonderful is a good foxhound, and next after him, a good horse.—I am, Sir, yours faithfully, E. PEASE. Hinderwell.