20 FOX-HUNTING 



can be no room for pride or arrogance. Pro- 

 bably most men have a very fair opinion of their 

 prowess, but fortunately they keep that opinion to 

 themselves. When we reach the stage at which 

 our discretion exceeds our valour, we look upon 

 those who are bolder than ourselves as foolhardy 

 and ignorant, but we are forced to admit that 

 they beat us for the place we all covet. When 

 we go a-hunting, I think we should forget all the 

 petty squabbles with our neighbours, and meet 

 for the time on terms of cordiality. Anything 

 approaching a quarrel will spoil the day's sport 

 for you. Every one should try to be genial and 

 good-tempered, so that even if there is only a 

 moderate run, you return home feeling happier 

 for the exercise and the good fellowship. There 

 are many things to try one's temper in the 

 hunting-field, when everybody is excited, but one 

 should control one's feelings and be invariably 

 courteous in speech. You should apologise even 

 when you think you are in the right, for the 

 other man may be equally certain he is in the 

 right, and it would be difficult to say who was 

 in the wrong. At the same time, when a man 

 apologises and is evidently sorry, you ought to 



