FOX-HUNTING TYPES 2^7 



Now, he who goeth forth with this intent may, I 

 think, be fairly described as the " Man who Hunts to 

 Ride," for though his pleasure may be enhanced 

 by the sight of the pack carrying a scent at a fast 

 pace over a stiff line of country, and though their 

 cry may serve still further to boil up the excitement 

 within his breast, yet the fact that they are engaged 

 in the pursuit of a cunning and resourceful animal, 

 and that he is supposed to have come out to watch 

 them do it, does not come home to him at all. 



A retired sabreur, well known in the hunting 

 world, a very fine horseman, who has won his 

 share of glory between the flags, once had the 

 honesty, not to say hardihood, to confess to his 

 friend, the late Master of the Meath Hounds, that 

 he " loved the ride," but " didn't profess to under- 

 stand or care for the tally-ho business ! " 



Not many forward riders, however, are so candid 

 as our friend, though I know full well that the 

 number of those who share his sentiments is legion. 

 Still, I suppose it would be unfair to suggest that 

 the members of the legion are not fond of fox- 

 hunting. 



" Why don't you always go out with the stag- 

 hounds or draghounds ? They'll do just as well," 

 I once asked a friend — now, alas ! with the great 

 majority — who had expressed similar sentiments. 



" Oh no ! " he replied, " I like foxhounds best. 

 One meets such lots of good fellows, one sees such 

 fun, and I like riding about all day — particularly if 

 I can get on a different horse occasionally. Besides, 

 you never know when you will have a dart, and it's 



