OTTER-HUNTING 



country with a screaming scent. Taking it for 

 granted that the paid hand knows his job, the 

 amateur should be equally proficient. He must 

 keep a keen look out as he goes for signs of otters, 

 as well as hidden drains, etc., and he must know the 

 names of all the hounds and their individual 

 idiosyncrasies, so as to tell instantly if they are 

 inclined to riot, or they show an inclination to mark 

 at roots, or take a line away from the river. 

 Speaking broadly, the whippers-in prevent hounds 

 going too fast and outpacing the Master and the 

 field, but it should be remembered that hounds can 

 be kept too much in check, and by so doing they 

 are balked in their desire to hunt, as well as drive 

 on when scenting conditions are good. In fox or 

 hare hunting, the huntsman's place is with his 

 hounds, whether they are drawing or running, and 

 there appears to be no good reason why an otter- 

 huntsman should not " get a move on " when his 

 hounds push ahead on a hot drag, or drive along 

 across country. It is quite as necessary to run, and 



often run hard, with otterhounds, as to ride hard 



107 



