HUNTING, AND RIDING TO HOUNDS. 53 



or as the horse approaches, seems large or small, 

 the really splendid hmiter should always, in the 

 first place, prepare himself for the greatest exertion 

 he is gifted with, if the obstacle is evidently large. 

 In the second place, if it looks small, to be ready 

 for anything he may not sec on the other side ; and 

 if there is not much there, not to throAV away his 

 powers. If the place is small and he takes off too 

 soon, to clear it he must exert a considerable stretch 

 of power ; if, liowever, there is a good deal that it is 

 incumbent on him to clear, by taking off only when 

 it is necessary, he keeps within him a remedy for all 

 that may be required of his emergencies. He can 

 either, while in the air, stretch out his ever available 

 shoulders and fore legs, or, while in the air, if there 

 should be an additional purchase to be gained, he 

 can drop his hind legs and strike a bank or wall, or 

 even rail, to send him further afield beyond all 

 danger. 



Men often follow hounds without any other idea 

 but that they are hunting, and sit on a machine 

 governed, or pulled at, by leathern strings from tlie 

 head, and pricked into further exertion under all 

 circumstances by the application of si)ur< to the 

 sides. 



