61 HUNTING ADVENTURES.. 



wind : as they can hear the others, and will reach them soonest ; 

 in such a case there will be little use in stopping those that are 

 up the wind. When hounds are at a check, let every one be 

 silent and stand still. Whippers-in are frequently at this time 

 coming on with the tail hounds. They should never halloo to 

 them when the hounds are at fault ; the least thing does them 

 harm at such a time, but a halloo more- than any other. The 

 huntsman, at a check, had better let his hounds alone ; or content 

 himself with holding them forward, without taking them off their 

 aoses. Should they be at fault; afttw having made their own cast, 

 ( which the huntsman should always first encourage them to do) it 

 is then his business to assist them further ; but, except in some 

 particular instances, I never approve of their being cast as long as 

 they are inclined to hunt. 



The first cast I bid my huntsman make is generally a regulai 

 ane, not choosing to rely entirely on his judgment; if that should 

 not succeed, he is then at liberty to follow his own opinion, and 

 proceed as observation or genius may direct. When such a cast 

 is made, I like to see some mark of good sense and meaning in 

 it ; whether down the wind, or towards some likely cover or 

 strong earth. However, as it is at best uncertain, I always wish 

 to see a regular cast before I see a knowing one ; which, as a last 

 resource, should not be called forth until it be wanted. The letting 

 hounds alone is but a negative goodness in a huntsman ; whereas 

 this last shows real genius ; and to be perfect, it must be born 

 with him. There is a fault, however, which a knowing hunts- 

 man is too apt to commit : he will find a fresh fox, and then claim 

 the merit of having recovered the hunted one. It is always dan- 

 gerous to throw hounds into a cover to retrieve a lost scent; anc 

 unless they hit him in, is not to be depended o. 



Gentlemen, when hounds are at fault, are too apt themselves to 

 prolong it. They should always stop their horses some distance 

 behind the hounds ; and if it be possible to remain silent, this is 

 the time. They should be careful not to rid"C before the hounds 

 or over the scent ; nor should they ever meet a hound in the face 

 unless to stop him. Should you at any time be before the 



