1 3 o ECHOES OF SPORT 



rhythm of movement, and a contagion of 

 excitement in the first thunder of a gallop 

 that is like nothing else ? Undoubtedly there 

 is an electric current between each individual 

 rider and horse, but it also connects the 

 riders and horses collectively as well. 



In the first chapter of this small book I have 

 ventured to say that hunting stands apart 

 from all other sports in its primary object. 



To the huntsman the aim is doubtless to 

 hunt and kill his fox ; possibly half a dozen of 

 the hardest riders share the double object 

 with him, but to the majority of those who 

 come out hunting the object is to gallop and 

 jump, and many of them would go on doing so 

 just as happily if hounds were stopped and 

 taken home, so long as they were unaware 

 of the fact. Very few people hunt, though 

 hundreds ride to hounds. 



There is no prettier sight in the world than 

 to watch hounds working, from the screaming 

 pace to the slow hunting, checking, then 

 casting themselves, picking up the line, turn- 

 ing, twisting ; yet sometimes to me, a mere 



