FOX-HUNTING. 751 



five or six seasons, although there are instances of their 

 lasting longer. But, of course, much depends upon the 

 labour which they are subjected to. A spayed bitch, called 

 Lilly, ran at the head of old Mr. Panton's pack at New- 

 market, for ten seasons. All packs possess one or two dogs 

 which are superior to the others in point of speed, bottom 

 and high olfactory senses. 



The duties of a huntsman in the field are varied, and in 

 some instances complicated, and much of the successes and 

 pleasures of the sport will depend upon his judgment, skill, 

 and experience. He should have such discrimination as to 

 make the most of existing circumstances, and must be capa- 

 ble of knowing the difierence of hunting a fox, or killing 

 him with hard running. 



A chase should never be less than of an hour's duration, 

 and if the hounds are properly hunted it should not exceed 

 two hours, under ordinary circumstances. The beauty of a 

 fox-chase is to see dogs leaping over a fence, as they ought 

 never to creep under what they can clear. 



The reason of good or bad scent is a puzzling theme to 

 sportsmen. Sometimes it lies close to the ground, and at 

 others it leaves its effluvia in the atmosphere. When the 

 gravity of the air sustains it suspended, the scent is said 

 to be breast-high. The lying of the scent will frequently 

 alter in one day, depending upon temperature and moisture, 

 as well as the quarter from which the wind blows. In 

 short a multiplicity of causes give rise to the scent lying ill 

 or well. 



Foxes prefer covers that lie high and dry, and thick at 

 bottom, and those that are out of the wind, and on the 

 sunny side of the hill. Foxes are stronger and wildest 

 about Christmas, at which season the huntsman must lose 

 no time in drawing, and should be as silent as possible. 



