31 



CHAP r E R V I 



TIIK MASTERS. 



" You have iliat in your countenance, «hich I would fain call master." 

 "What's that?'" 

 '■ Authority." 



Ktiig T.ec.r, act i, scene 4. 



A Master of Hounds occupies a Iiigh and honourable place in the 

 sporting world, and one that demands various important qualifications for 

 its successful fulfilment, in those who attain to the eminent position of 

 "Head of the Hunt." He must be able to exercise authority over the 

 hounds, the Hunt servants, the members of the Hunt, and the varied followers 

 in the field ; and, withal,, to maintain the dignity of his high office in the 

 respect of all with whom he comes in contact. His tact must be cons[)icuous 

 in dealing with offenders against the canons of sport or the etiquette of 

 hunting, complaints from farmers, difficulties with shooting men, and the 

 rare instances of grumbling about trespass. He must be quick in decision 

 when any emergency arises, and steadfast in carrying out his purposes. 

 Vacillation should never be exhibited by a Master of Hounds. It may 

 almost be said that it is better for a Master to continue on a doubtful 

 course till it is proved wrong, than to hesitate and waver in the presence 

 of his field. The Master must be courteous to all, punctual in his aii[)oint- 

 ments, of healthy physique, and, to sum all, he must be a gentleman. It 

 is his place to be first in everything, and, as regards the members of the 

 R.R.l). on hunting days, his rule begins so soon as they assemble at 

 the meet. 



The privileges of the ^klaster of the R.R.B. are numerous. He presides 

 at all meetings of the club, and takes the head of the table at all club 

 dinners. If we are invited as beaglers to any social function, the Master, 

 whether young or old, married or single, is the principal guest. In the field 

 or in the kennels, his sway is supreme, and he is entitled to willing obedience 

 and loyal service from all persons out with his pack. He gives up a great 

 portion of his leisure for the sport of others, and they in return cannot pay 

 him too many of those little attentions which go to make up the courtesies 



