Scentometer

[Judgemental]

Many years ago a Scentometer was standard kit for all huntsmen and consulted rather like a barometer just before setting off from the kennels.

Has anybody seen one or know of any in use these days?

Fundamentally they measured the air temperature and the ground temperature.

With suitable calibrations they gave the height of scent off the gound.

For example at about 3:00 pm scent is at it's best, because the ground is warm and the scent is rising into the colder air.

Hounds will always go on if they do not have to drop their heads too low.

 

[Judgemental]

It occured to me that Scentometers are such rare 'birds' that folk probably do not know what they look like.

Fundamentally that are about the height of the average measuring stick and stick like in shape and compostion.

With two thermometers at either end. One being within the part of the device that is inserted in the ground. The other at ther top.

There were some remarkably sohisticated and complex Scentometers made during the 30's with brass thermometer furniture and a host of complex calibrations, in some instances marked upon ivory.

Quite often they are found amongst the bricbrac of tackrooms and the like. However because of their lack of use on a contempory basis, many people do not know what they are and have.

 

[combat_claire]

You don't by any chance have a photo of one? We've had foxhounds kennelled in the same place since 1740, so if anyone has got one of these gizmos kicking about, we would!

I'm also curious, if the scentometer indicated a poor scenting day would they cancel the meet or carry on regardless?

 

[Judgemental]

You don't by any chance have a photo of one? We've had foxhounds kennelled in the same place since 1740, so if anyone has got one of these gizmos kicking about, we would!

I'm also curious, if the scentometer indicated a poor scenting day would they cancel the meet or carry on regardless?

Well yes I did once and I guess it is buried with years of detritus under books and bricabrac.

However surprisingly when Googled i.e Secentometer + hunting it comes up with the following.

Anyway you are looking for a device that is about two meter long - thin housing a thermometer at either end. Some had barometric devices but don't hold me to that one. All had a brass pointed long type Ferrel at the base.

Hope this helps.

Certainly worth a few pennies at auction in the right place!

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Fox Hunting - The Mystery of Scent
by Hugh B. C. Pollard


Synopsis:
Originally published in the early 1900s. A discussion on the mysteries and vagaries of scent in connection with fox hunting with hounds. The illustrated contents include: The secretion of scent - The diffusion of scent - The Scentometer - Adverse factors - The Secret of scent - Scent and local conditions - How we smell - How Hounds smell - Scent in other animals - etc. a mine of useful information for all who hunt with hounds.

 

[Judgemental]

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