HUNTSMAN 19 



but in most countries it is easier said than done, 

 and when doubtful, it is better to give the hounds 

 this chance of recovering their first fox, or probably 

 you may draw blank till nearly dark, and when 

 you have found, all the men who were so very 

 urgent for you to give up your first and find a 

 fresh one, have left you to hunt alone, although 

 you did it to oblige them, as your hounds had 

 done a good day's work, instead of killing your 

 first by perseverance. Besides, the recovery of a 

 good fox in a brilliant run makes a good finish, 

 and is enjoyed much more by every one than 

 finding a second when horses are half tired. There 

 is little chance of doing much with an afternoon 

 fox, when the mettle is taken out of your pack 

 in the morning ; and a huntsman must take care 

 not to beat his pack too often, or a repetition will 

 make any pack slack. 



When a huntsman is requested to draw for a 

 second fox late in the day, it would be a fair 

 question to put, *' Gentlemen, we have had hard 

 work lately, and have some distance home ; but if 

 I do find, will you promise not to leave me till it 

 is finished ? " 



It is no uncommon thing to hear it said that 

 halloos do more harm than good. This in some 

 measure is quite true, and at times they are a great 

 nuisance ; but there are times when a man would 



