RAT-CATCHER. 369 



HUNTING MUFTI (RAT-CATCHER). 



A man should appear in the hunting field, either in correct 

 hunting dress or in ordinary riding clothes, which some 

 call " mufti ; " but which is usually termed " rat-catcher " 

 by . hunting men. A mixture of the two is generally 

 regarded as an exhibition of bad taste which should not 

 be inflicted on our companions of the chase. As a meet 

 is a social function, those who attend it should, as a rule, 

 turn out in as good style as they can, from motives of 

 courtesy, as well as from those of self-respect. Rat-catcher is 

 occasionally allowable, when one intends to do more looking 

 on than riding, as for instance, when showing hounds to a 

 young horse, and is used out cubbing, and until fixtures 

 are advertised. Correct rat-catcher consists of a coat of the 

 shooting or round shape ; bowler hat (stiff felt for choice) ; 

 tweed or brown cord breeches ; and butcher boots or leggings. 

 As a black coat demands a high hat, it should not be 

 worn with a rat-catcher get-up. Rat-catcher is more com- 

 fortable in very wet and windy weather, when a high hat is 

 extremely difficult to keep on. A hunting tie and a hat- 

 guard are always allowable. Black butcher boots are more 

 generally worn with mufti, than brown leather ones, which 

 are the recognised kind of boots for polo. Leggings are as 

 appropriate as boots, except that the latter look much 

 better than the former, when spurs are worn. 



RIDING GEAR. 



Hunting custom ordains the use of a plain-flap saddle, 

 double bridle and breast plate, and sanctions that of a nose- 

 band (a caveson one for choice), and a leather saddle cloth. 

 A numnah is not considered smart. Martingales are not 

 very often used. Out hunting, a martingale, and especially 



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