RIDING TO FOX-HOUNDS. 195 



along in the ecstasy of a quick thing, on a brilliant 

 hunter. Keep an eye forward, and scan with close atten- 

 tion every moving object in front. There you observe 

 a flock of sheep getting into line like cavalry for a 

 charge that is where the fox has gone. Or perhaps a 

 man is ploughing half-a-mile further on ; in all probability 

 this object will have headed him, and on the discretion 

 with which you ride at these critical moments may 

 depend the performance of the pack, the difference 

 between "a beautiful turn" and "an unlucky check." 

 The very rush of your gallop alongside them will tempt 

 high-mettled hounds into the indiscretion of over- 

 running their scent. Whereas, if you take a pull at 

 your horse, and give them plenty of room, they will 

 swing to the line, and wheel like a flock of pigeons on 

 the wing. 



Always ride, then, to command hounds if you can, 

 but never be tempted, when in this proud position, to 

 press them, and to spoil your own sport, with that of 

 every one else. 



If so fortunate as to view him, and near enough to 

 distinguish that it is the hunted fox, think twice before 

 you holloa. More time will be lost than gained by 

 getting their heads up, if the hounds are still on the 

 line, and even when at fault, it is questionable whether 



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