FOX HUNTING. T.'] 



earlier, then off to jump a fresh fox for another 

 run. It was a rare chance for a fox to get 

 away from the hounds and riders until he had 

 taken to earth. Any hunter who has not seen the 

 early morning drag on a cold scent does not 

 know the pleasure given in the display of intelli- 

 gence of hounds in this work and of the fine scent 

 with which they are gifted; and see how the 

 young hounds learn to depend on the reliable old 

 fellows for the true track, when they give tongue, 

 and how they eagerly cluster around them scent- 

 ing for the track. Other hounds, less reliable, 

 might cry a track and no attention would be paid 

 to them. This working a cold drag is a delicate 

 and skilled piece of business, in the getting of the 

 course the fox has taken to his lair, and requires 

 experience and strong sense. Well-trained 

 hounds scatter in this work so as to lose no 

 chance of a true find; but as the scent and 

 course get certain and warmer, then your pack- 

 will work closer together, with a loud burst of cry 

 as a more certain spot of scent is reached. When 

 the fox is jumped there is no mistaking the joy- 

 ful, exultant cry that bursts from every hound, 

 and away they go, and he who would follow must 

 now ride hard, and strain ears and sense to get 

 the course they are taking; for the skilled hunter 

 has ridden closelv with his hounds on the drag. 



