HUNTSMAN 23 



but it would be wiser, instead of dwelling so long, 

 if they first made all their forward casts com- 

 pletely, and then came back. It certainly is no 

 uncommon thing for a fox to lie down and be left 

 behind altogether ; and it has often happened that 

 he has been found lying in a ditch, or some odd 

 place, on the return of the hounds. But had he 

 gone on during the time they were ferreting out 

 all these places, it would probably be of little use 

 afterwards if the hounds did hit off the scent. 



It is no uncommon thing for a good fox, on 

 his being first found, to go up wind for a mile 

 or two, and then head short down wind, and 

 never turn again. Probably instinct tells him 

 that hounds will go such a pace up wind, that 

 they will be a little blown, and that the change of 

 scent down wind creates a slight check, which 

 gives him the advantage. 



Few things are so necessary for a huntsman to 

 acquire as a thorough knowledge of the country 

 he hunts. For to make a good cast when in 

 difficulties, he should have a map of the country 

 in his head. Unless he always knows the exact 

 situation of the covers near during the chase, he 

 cannot be prepared off-hand to make a proper 

 cast, so as to take the narrowest parts between 

 the covers ; indeed he should be able to point 

 with his hand direct to any cover named, let him 



