59 



The majority of those who become masters are men of 

 means, and many of them have other loves besides 

 hunting. Fishing, shooting, racing and numerous other 

 pursuits exercise their call, the result being that the 

 man who should be looking after the country in the 

 interests of the hunt, is obliged to leave much to his 

 secretary. However good and efficient that individual 

 may be, he is not in the position to deal effectively with 

 difficult and unexpected situations. 



Residents in the district and farmers like to feel they 

 have the M.F.H. living amongst them, to see him 

 occasionally, when they can air their grievances and 

 complaints, which a few tactful words will usually 

 smooth away ; whereas, if left to be dealt with officially 

 by a secretary, might assume serious proportions. 



The ideal master is the country squire with a passion 

 for the chase and an absorbing interest in hounds, but, 

 unfortunately, this is a class being rapidly taxed out of 

 existence. There are a few still left, and in the counties 

 over which they reign the friendly relations with occupiers 

 of land tend to peace and harmony in the hunting-field. 

 Although these men devote their whole time and energies 

 for the benefit of others without searching for other 

 amusement, they have their reward in that they can 

 never suffer the terrible complaint afflicting the idle — ■ 

 boredom. The man born and bred in the country 

 usually considers himself under obligations to perform 

 certain duties, for which he expects neither thanks nor 

 payment. 



In criticizing masters who do not come up to the above 

 high standard and are somewhat careless in the observ- 

 ance of a country's needs, it is as well to remember these 

 men, with only a half-hearted love of hunting, are often 

 begged to fill a gap on account of their ample means 



