AND THEIR CAUSES 63 



on to their names the magic letters M.F.H. is 

 apparently unfailing. 



Strange notions of the duties and responsibilities 

 of the post some of those must have who essay to 

 fulfil them ; so strange, indeed, that some of the 

 yearly resignations can surely cause no surprise. So 

 many men of antecedents and surroundings apparently 

 entirely different from those of the old race of fox- 

 hunters, from whose ranks our M.F.H.'s were usually 

 recruited, come forward now as candidates for the 

 vacant posts, that one is set wondering how they 

 got into their heads the notion that they were in 

 any way suitable for the positions to which they 

 aspire. 



Truth to tell, in many cases the candidates have 

 been persuaded to embark in this quest for distinction 

 by some who have discovered in them merits that 

 were unknown to themselves. Of one qualification, 

 however, they could not be ignorant, for its power 

 is everywhere acknowledged ; no greater merit than 

 money-bags can a man have, according to the almost 

 general verdict of the day. Still, there are those 

 who would prefer in the candidate some knowledge 

 of hounds and kennel management, some previous 

 understanding about the upkeep of a country and 

 its coverts, to total ignorance on these subjects, and 

 a general acquaintance with agricultural matters 

 and country life to little else but a fat balance at 

 the bank and desire for improved social position. 



It causes some of the old brigade to smile when 

 they hear of Masters of Foxhounds who seldom take 

 the field, but who regard the fit of their servants' 



