LETTER XVII. 



FOX-HUNTING, an acquaintance of mine says, 

 is only to be followed because you can ride hard, 

 and do less harm in that than any other kind of hunt- 

 ing. There may be some truth in the observation ; 

 but, to such as love the riding part only of hunting, 

 would not a trail-scent be more suitable ? Gentlemen 

 who hunt for the sake of a ride, who are indifferent 

 about the hounds, and know little of the business, 

 if they do no harm, fulfil as much as we have reason 

 to expect from them ; whilst those of a contrary dis- 

 position do good, and have much greater pleasure. 

 Such as are acquainted with the hounds, and can 

 at times assist them, find the sport more interesting, 

 and frequently have the satisfaction to think, that 

 they themselves contribute to the success of the day. 1 

 This is a pleasure that you often enjoy ; a pleasure 

 without any regret attending it. I know not what 

 effect it may have on you ; but I know that my 

 spirits are always good after good sport in hunting; 

 nor is the rest of the day ever disagreeable to me. 

 What are other sports, compared with this, which 



1 It is not by a foolish attempt to hunt the hounds that gentlemen can 

 be of service. It is not by riding close upon them, but by keeping wide 

 of them ; when by so doing they may hear a halloo, or view the fox. 



172 



