MODERN FARRIER. 533 



this implicit obedience to command, you may have 

 many dogs with you, but no one employed as it 

 ought to be : one shall be far a-head, hunting upon 

 her own account, and putting up every thing out of 

 shot ; another close behind your heels, with his tail 

 between his legs ; a third, sneaking and creeping 

 after you at a more respectful distance ; whilst the 

 rest are ranging so wide on either side of you, as to 

 provoke the most patient to the use of execrations, 

 and to oblige him to return home, as he went out, 

 with an empty bag. 



Fox-hunting. 



Great Britain has always been distinguished for 

 the best horses, the best hounds, and the keenest 

 sportsmen. Fox-hunting has been a favourite sport 

 from time immemorial, as giving most scope for the 

 digplay of skill and ardour. In Scotland the nobi- 

 lity do not now engage much in this amusement, 

 but in England it is pursued with undiminished en- 

 thusiasm. To those not acquainted with this na- 

 tional and manly diversion, it will be extremely 

 difficult to describe it. A celebrated sportsman has, 

 however, lately attempted tl.is task, and he has 

 executed it with uncommon skill and ingenuity. 

 As this description also includes the most essential 

 rules and observations to be attended to in fox- 

 hunting, it will preclude the necessity of enlarging 

 further on the subject. 



' The hour in the morning most favourable to the 

 diversion is certainly an early one; nor do I think I 

 can fix it better than to say, the hounds sliou.ld be 

 at the cover at sun-rising. Let us suppose we are 

 arrived at the cover side. — 



" Deli^rhtfnl scene! 



Where all dround is gay, men, horses, clogs ; 

 And in each smilinj? countenance ap})enrs 

 Fresh blooming health and universal joy. 



Somerville. 



