THE BOOK OF THE OTTER 



knees and thorns do not associate well together, 

 while breeches of the semi-riding type are too 

 tight-fitting, and retain water. Boots or shoes 

 should be well nailed to prevent slipping, 

 preferably with soft, wrought-iron hobs, which get 

 a better grip on rocks than steel nails. An iron- 

 shod pole of ash or hazel the latter is light yet 

 strong is necessary for crossing deep or swift 

 water, and in some districts as an aid to jumping 

 wide ditches and open drains. A pole shod with 

 a double-pronged spike is less liable to slip than 

 one armed with a single spike. Likewise a pole 

 cut from the growing tree or sapling looks more 

 workmanlike than a " made " one, ornamented with 

 a fancy metal head or other embellishment. With 

 regard to the whip, for use by Hunt officials, one 

 with a short lash is to be preferred, for it can be 

 far more easily cracked when the user is standing 

 in water than a long-lashed affair. 



The huntsman who cannot blow an ordinary 

 horn without unnecessary discords will be well 



advised to secure a reed-horn. Every call can be 



no 



