A WORD ERE WE START 



B 



A Word ere we Start 



I 



OYS, to the hunting-field ! though 'tis November, 

 The wind's in the south ; — but a word ere we 

 start. — 

 Though keenly excited, I bid you remember 

 That hunting's a science, and riding an art. 



II 



The order of march and the due regulation 



That guide us in warfare, we need in the chace — 



Huntsman and Whip, each his own proper station. 

 Horse, hound and fox, each his own proper place. 



Ill 



The fox takes precedence of all from the cover ; 



The horse is an animal purposely bred 

 After the pack to be ridden, not over — 



Good hounds are not rear'd to be knocked on the 

 head. 



IV 



Strong be your tackle, and carefully fitted. 



Breast-plate and bridle, girth, stirrup, and chain ; 

 You will need not two arms, if the mouth be well 

 bitted. 

 One hand lightly used will suffice for the rein. 



119 



