88 THE DIARY OF A HUNTSMAN 



It is necessary that a whipper-in should be 

 naturally fond of the sport, so that his heart and 

 soul are in it. Even men who hunt with hounds, 

 if they are really fond of it, cannot help occa- 

 sionally showing a wish to assist and whip in. 

 And men who have hunted their own hounds 

 have often felt a wish to become whippers-in, 

 knowing, as they do, that it is possible for a good 

 whipper-in to do more towards the sport on most 

 days than the huntsman. The thing is, to find a 

 man who does not wish to save himself; and if 

 he is really fond of it, he never will. This point 

 found out, decides whether he keeps his place 

 or not ; for they are apt to take it too quietly, 

 forgetting that the first exertion may save 

 their lungs, their limbs, and body, during the 

 whole season afterwards. Indeed, some say that a 

 whipper-in is not worth keeping if, after a hound 

 has thrown his tongue twice in cover or riot, he 

 does not instantly get to him, through bushes or 

 what not, either on or off his horse, and correct 

 the hound on the spot — if possible get hold of 

 him by the tail, and lay the whip along his side, 

 rating him by name at the same time. He will 

 be so frightened as well as hurt, that he will not 

 readily forget it ; and the rest of the pack will 

 recollect it also, and know the rate, and that it 

 does not go for nothing, and fly at a word : thus — 



