RIDING TO FOX-HOUNDS. 183 



distressing than that gallop of a mile or two at speed 

 which endeavours, but usually fails, to make amends for 

 a bad start ; whereas, if you get away on good terms, 

 you can indulge him with a pull afrthe first opportunity, 

 and those scenting days are indeed rare on which hounds 

 run many fields without at least a hover, if not a check. 



Some men take their station outside the covert, down 

 wind, in a commanding position, so as to hear every 

 turn of the hounds, secure a front place for the sport, 

 and head the fox ! 



But we will suppose all such difficulties overcome ; that 

 a little care, attention, and common sense have enabled 

 you to get away on good terms with the pack ; and 

 that you emerge not a bowshot off, while they stream 

 across the first field with a dash that brings the mettle 

 to your heart and the blood to your brain. Do not, 

 therefore, lose your head. It is the characteristic of 

 good manhood to be physically calm in proportion to 

 moral excitement. Remember there are two occasions 

 in chase when the manner of hounds is not to be 

 trusted. On first coming away with their fox, and 

 immediately before they kill him, the steadiest will lead 

 you to believe there is a burning scent and that they 

 cannot make a mistake. Nevertheless, hope for the 

 best, set your horse going, and if, as you sail over, or 



