144 FOX-HUNTING 



watchfulness. If you take your eyes off a ride or 

 other small space you are watching for one second, 

 the fox is certain to take advantage of that moment 

 to cross, and you fail to view him. A whip at his 

 post of observation should never allow himself to 

 be drawn into conversation by any of the field 

 who may be standing near him. He should place 

 himself in such a position that he can see the fox 

 without himself being seen, and when he halloas 

 him away, he must not do it too soon or he will 

 head him back. 



A whip who is a good rider, and is at the same 

 time of an obliging disposition, is very often in 

 danger of being spoilt by the flattery of the field. 

 He should recollect the horse he rides does not 

 belong to him, and that he rides it for the purpose 

 of attending on the huntsman. He is the servant 

 of the master, and if he is larking over fences for 

 the amusement of men who do not employ him, 

 he is not doing the duty for which he is paid. 

 He must, however, be always civil to every 

 member of the field, and he must take particular 

 care never to offend a farmer by word or deed. 

 A farmer does not always walk about in best 

 broadcloth, and he very naturally resents any 



