24 O'er Crag and Torrent 



keep well behind the hounds at least fifty 

 yards and on no pretence whatever should 

 they get in front of the Master or whips, 

 whose trained eyes and practical experience 

 are seeking and noting the various signs, 

 such as "spur" (foot) marks, "wedges," and 

 other indications of the wily otter, which 

 guide the action of the Master. 



The " field " should therefore consider it a 

 point of duty to assist in the only possible 

 way they can to lessen the anxiety and cares 

 of the Master by not crowding round or 

 treading on his heels, by keeping as quiet as 

 possible, and by cheerfully carrying out his 

 wishes promptly and implicitly. It seems a 

 characteristic of English men and women to 

 love the twang of the horn and the heart- 

 lifting cry of hounds. It would be difficult 

 to suggest more genuine pleasure and enjoy- 

 ment than a day with otter-hounds. Follow 

 them through the long meadows, golden 



