DISCRETION. 129 



scurry, exclaiming, " What a pity ! " when it is over, as 

 if we had never been out hunting before. It would be 

 useless to distress your hack for so short a spin, rather 

 keep wide of the line, if possible, on high ground, and 

 calculate by the wind, the coverts, and the general aspect 

 of the country, where a fox is most likely to make his 

 point. 



I have known good runs in the Shires seen fairly, 

 from end to end, by a lady in a wagonette. 



When business really begins, men are apt to express 

 in various ways their intention of taking part. Some 

 use their eyes, some their heels, and some their flasks. 

 Do you trust your brains, they will stand you in better 

 stead than spurs, or spectacles, or even brandy diluted 

 with curagoa. Keep your attention fixed on the chase, 

 watch the pack as long as you can, and when those 

 white specks have vanished into space, depend on 

 your own skill in woodcraft and knowledge of country 

 to bring you up with them again. Above all, while 

 they are actually in motion, distrust the bobbing 

 hats and spots of scarlet that you mark in a distant 

 cluster behind the hedge. What are they but the field ? 

 and the field, if it is really a run, are pretty sure to be 

 out of it. 



The first flight you will find very difficult to keep 



K 



