CHAPTER XL 



RIDING TO FOX-HOUNDS. 



" IF you want to be near hounds," says an old friend of 

 mine who, for a life-time, has religiously practised what 

 he preaches, "the method is simple, and seems only 

 common sense keep as close to them as ever you can ! " 

 but I think, though, with his undaunted nerve, and 

 extraordinary horsemanship, he seems to find it feasible 

 enough, this plan, for most people, requires considerable 

 management, and no little modification. 



I grant we should never let them slip away from us, 

 and that, in nine cases out of ten, when defeated by 

 what we choose to call " a bad turn " it is our own fault. 

 At the same time, there are many occasions on which a 

 man who keeps his eyes open, and knows how to ride, 

 can save his horse to some purpose, by travelling inside 

 the pack, and galloping a hundred yards for their 

 three. 



