2 THE DIARY OF A HUNTSMAN 



and the blowing of the horn, without being 

 inspired ? Indeed it is quite a source of regret 

 whenever a clever huntsman has not naturally a 

 pleasant, melodious voice, instead of one probably 

 that may be compared to the grunting of a pig — 

 which has been the case before now. When this 

 is the case, he should try every method to improve 

 it. It should be recollected, that many men who 

 go out with hounds have no opportunity of enjoy- 

 ing the sport beyond the find, which is, with the 

 assistance of the voice, often one of the best parts 

 of the day's sport ; but to make it so vox et prceterea 

 nihil will not do, for unless he has a soul for sport, 

 even when most in earnest he cannot cause such 

 delightful sensations to thrill through you as 

 ought, and as always did, by the voice of such 

 a man as old Luke, huntsman to the late Duke of 

 Richmond, and Lord Egremont. 



To be perfect, a huntsman should possess the 

 following qualifications : health, memory, decision, 

 temper, and patience, a good ear, voice, and sight, 

 courage and spirits, perseverance and activity ; 

 and with these he will soon make a bad pack a 

 good one : if quick, he will make a slow pack 

 quick ; if slow, he will make a quick pack slow. 

 But first, to become a good one, he must have a 

 fair chance, and should not be interfered with by 

 any one after he leaves the place of meeting ; 



