FOXES AND RAILWAYS 287 



at the time, that the whole pack would be destroyed. 

 These apprehensions were fortunately groundless, for 

 the railways are lines which foxes repudiate. The 

 principal effect which railroads produce is causing foxes 

 to run short; for they are not even partial to crossing 

 them, and I have observed several instances of their 

 running parallel with the railroads when not hard 

 pressed. The accommodations which railways afford 

 are more than commensurate with the evils; and a fox- 

 hunter desirous to do so may vary the scene of his 

 venatic pleasures with great ease and at a comparatively 

 trifling cost; not forgetting, however, to be provided 

 with a change of clothes, to be put on before he returns 

 after the day's sport. Nothing is more conducive to 

 rheumatic affections and colds than travelling in any 

 kind of carriage without changing the dress. Even if 

 there has not been any rain to wet the garments, the 

 perspiration produced by the exertion of riding causes 

 a dampness peculiarly disagreeable and dangerous. 



Unaccustomed to exercise, the human frame is not 

 in a state to bear even moderate efforts without fatigue. 

 Condition is of great importance to man, and those who 

 lead sedentary lives will find it greatly conducive to 

 their convenience if they will undergo some probationary 

 work prior to the commencement of the hunting season. 

 Shooting for those who have the inclination and oppor- 

 tunity to engage in it is an excellent introduction. 

 Without strong exercise the body soon accumulates a 

 deposit of fat, in every respect opposed to quick and 

 laborious pursuits, and in a state of comparative in- 

 activity the muscles lose much of their power. Fasting 

 to the excess which jockeys practise is not necessary to 

 enjoy the privileges of the hunting-field, unless for per- 

 sons who have become corpulent and unwieldy. To 

 those it may be recommended as decidedly advan- 

 tageous, but a few walks in two or three extra flannel 

 waistcoats, and proportionate abstemious living pre- 

 viously to taking the field, will be found highly con- 

 ducive to condition and the perfect enjoyment of the 



