Otter Hunting 231 



and that as one of a party of law and order men and women 

 he is out in the name of retribution. It then becomes a pleasure 

 to run the rascal down, and one can finally see him broken 

 with rejoicing, especially when, as in England, the war is 

 conducted in such a thoroughly sportsmanHke manner. The 

 evasive rogue has been, thanks to the JNIaster's intimate knowl- 

 edge of his habits, outwitted and outgeneralled at his own 

 game while the hounds have worked as hard to take him as 

 he has to escape. Like the fox, also, he pursues his game 

 by stealth, therefore he cannot complain if he in turn is also 

 pursued. In this respect the otter and the fox make most 

 ideal game. 



''So here's^ to the beast called the Otter, 

 He's xjcily and canny, the Otter; 

 No sport is more thrilling. 

 No beast takes more killing. 

 Than the varrnint that's known as the Otter." 



"The Otterhound," says the noted English authority 

 Youat, "used to be (two hundred years ago) a mixed breed 

 between a southern hound and a rough coated terrier, and in 

 size and form between a terrier and a foxhound." We are also 

 told they were formerly used for hunting the hare and were 

 called Welsh harriers. 



The pure bred otterhound — for so he is now considered — 

 is of a dull brownish colour resembling the Airedale, of 

 whose blood he no doubt has a dash. This is also suggested by 

 his indomitable will, his wiry coat, the carriage of his head, etc. 

 He has a deep melodious voice and lets it go with great free- 

 . dom. 



One trouble in breeding otterhounds is that the otter 

 season is on at the time the hounds cannot be spared for breed- 

 ing purposes. JNIost packs used for otter hunting are, there- 



