AND THEIR CAUSES 77 



Edward VII., he might have written " both hands in 

 his pockets " ; but in a properly managed country, 

 where economy is studied, and the new M.F.H. has no 

 lavish spendthrift to follow, a smaller sum than the 

 guinea should do to line the pocket. 



A word more before closing this chapter on the short 

 duration of joint masterships. 



In some cases there may be a reason, and a very 

 excellent one for their brevity ; for it may be the wish 

 of the incoming M.F.H. to share responsibility with the 

 Old Hand who is about to retire, and so learn from 

 him all that is to be known about the country and the 

 manner of hunting it. 



In this case, when the partnership is dissolved and the 

 newcomer reigns alone, it may be safe to prophesy that 

 his rule will not be a short one ; and I can imagine no 

 better preparation for the beginner than sharing the 

 work for a time of a practised M.F.H. who has every 

 detail at his fingers' ends. 



