113 



by any unpleasantness that crops up, and which is Uable 

 to strain friendly feeUngs. Many things may happen 

 in the course of a run : you may accidentally barge up 

 against a man in a gateway, coUide with someone jump- 

 ing a fence through your horse swerving, and numerous 

 other unforeseen incidents may occur ; but, however 

 sHght they be, apologies must be offered at once, which 

 should be accepted in a generous spirit. We are all Uable 

 to offend unwittingly at some time, and ought therefore 

 to act kindly to others who transgress. The good com- 

 radeship and the happy relations between all is the 

 essence of hunting. 



Within the scope of this article it would be impossible 

 adequately to deal with all the unwritten laws which 

 should govern a field's behaviour. 



When riding from covert to covert, or at any time 

 when hunting is not actually in progress, hounds should 

 be given plenty of room, and if it is desired to have a 

 word with the huntsman, it is an act of courtesy to ask 

 the master's permission. Never at any time should 

 more than one horseman ride alongside the huntsman, 

 as otherwise the pack is unable to get near him. 



Speculating on the covert to be drawn first is a bad 

 habit, which is apt to grow, and a traveUing fox is quick 

 to take the hint of approaching horses, so that the 

 chances of a good run may easily be spoilt by those 

 indulging in this practice. 



However much money the master may spend himself, 

 there is usually a fund in every hunt to which the field 

 are expected to contribute. The amounts vary with 

 different packs. With some it is left to the generosity 

 of the individual, and with others a minimum sum is 

 fixed ; but those who go hunting should contrive to give 

 as much as their means admit and not evade responsi- 



