112 FOX-HUNTING 



horse-shows, and anything that is for the benefit 

 or pleasure of the man whose land he hunts 

 over, should be supported by the Master. 



The Master has at all times many things that 

 will try his temper, but if he can only keep it 

 under control he will find it much easier to 

 restrain a hard-riding field than by flying into 

 a passion and using bad language. A word in 

 season, given in a clear, calm voice, is generally 

 sufficient to curb a too eager spirit which is 

 threatening to limit the space which should 

 always be allowed a pack. A Master must, 

 however, be always in a forward position himself 

 to do this, and he will find it a mere waste of 

 breath to shout at the back of a man who is a 

 field in front of him. He must rule with firm- 

 ness and impartiality, but his commands should 

 be worded courteously and not in a tone of 

 insult or offence. It should not be forgotten 

 that men come out hunting for pleasure, and 

 that to be roundly abused for some trifling 

 oiFence will destroy their enjoyment for the day. 

 The unwritten law of the hunting - field says 

 that whatever language the Master may address 

 to a member of his field, that man must swallow 



