COERCION. 27 



main ride to choke a narrow handgate, and overflow the 

 adjoining field. Emerging from the jaws of their incon- 

 venient egress, they will scatter, like a row of beads 

 when the string breaks, and while the majority incline 

 to right or left, regardless of the line of chase as com- 

 pared with that of safety, some half dozen are sure to 

 single themselves out, and ride straight after the hounds. 

 Select one of these, a determined horseman, whom 

 you know to be mounted on an experienced hunter ; 

 give him plenty of room fifty yards at least and ride 

 his line, nothing doubting, fence for fence, till your 

 horse's blood is up, and your own too. I cannot 

 enough insist on a jealous care of your leader's safety, 

 and a little consideration for his prejudices. The 

 boldest sportsmen are exceedingly touchy about being 

 ridden over, and not without reason. There is some- 

 thing unpleasantly suggestive in the bit, and teeth, and 

 tongue of an open mouth at your ear ; while your own 

 horse, quivering high in air, makes the discovery that 

 he has not allowed margin enough for the yawner 

 under his nose ! It is little less inexcusable to pick 

 a man's pocket than to ride in it ; and no apology 

 can exonerate so flagrant an assault as to land on htm 

 when down. Reflect, also, that a hunter, after the 

 effort to clear his fence, often loses foothold, particularly 



