268 RECORDS OF THE CHASE 



sustained; a mutual apology ensues and sets all right. 

 But on approaching a fence it is a different affair. In 

 case the one who is leading happens to fall and another 

 is following close on his heels, the great probability is 

 that the latter cannot stop his horse in time, and, there- 

 fore, rides over his companion. This is an unwarrant- 

 able custom, but too frequently practised in the fast 

 and fashionable countries. There is also another great 

 evil in this unworkman-like style of riding. Many 

 horses will go perfectly safe, cool, and collected at their 

 fences when not too closely pressed, but will rush at 

 them when they find others close on their quarters ; a 

 similar degree of excitement prevails with many 

 hunters when they are following very near to others. 

 Attempting to go up and take the lead of another on 

 approaching a fence is yet more unsportsman-like. 

 Ambitious gentlemen who desire to make up lost 

 ground had far better take another line by riding at a 

 fresh place than by following others, if it be through a 

 gap. 



The notion that fox-hunting is on the decline is quite 

 at variance with facts. The comparisons which I have 

 endeavoured to draw with accuracy in these pages 

 must rebut such an assertion. Many of the manners 

 and customs of the chase have been altered to suit the 

 tastes, the habits, and the convenience of the present 

 generation; but those changes do not denote decline. 

 If any country becomes vacant there are numerous 

 candidates for the honour of hunting it; and every 

 season the numbers who assemble at the covert side 

 are on the increase. It is an argument with those who 

 are jealous of all changes that there are not so many 

 who go out from a pure love of hunting and the details 

 connected therewith as there were in former days. At 

 the same time that I am not in a position to admit that 

 conclusion, it would be inadmissible to scrutinise the 

 motive of every individual who comes out to meet 

 hounds. Whether a man derives his enjoyment from 

 admiring a fine pack of hounds in first-rate condition, 



