RIDING TO FOX-HOUNDS. 187 



consider genius or talent too strong terms to use for 

 proficiency in field sports while a most valuable quality 

 to everybody who comes out hunting, is no less rare 

 than precious. If we have it we are to be congratulated 

 and our horses still more, but if, like the generality of 

 men, we have it not, let us consider how far common 

 sense and close attention will supply the want of a 

 natural gift. 



It was said of an old friend of mine, the keenest of 

 the keen, that he always rode as if he had never seen a 

 run before, and should never see a run again ! This, I 

 believe, is something of the feeling with which we ought 

 to be possessed, impelling us to take every legitimate 

 advantage and to throw no possible chance away. It 

 cannot be too often repeated that judicious choice of 

 ground is the very first essential for success. Therefore 

 the hunting-field has always been considered so good a 

 school for cavalry officers. There seems no limit to the 

 endurance of a horse in travelling over a hard and 

 tolerably level surface, even under heavy weight, but we 

 all know the fatal effect of a very few yards in a steam- 

 ploughed field, when the gallant animal sinks to its 

 hocks every stride. Keep an eye forward then, and 

 shape your course where the foothold is smooth and 

 sound. In a hilly country choose the sides of the 



