SCENT AND SMELL CONTRASTED. 315 



from tliat of liis Imntsman. If the himtsman is wild 

 or slack, so will liis hounds be. If he is persever- 

 ing and clever, his hounds will not only never give 

 in, but under difficulties they will attend to his 

 judicious lead, and be quick to his hand in 

 ^^ lifting." 



It is a very rare thing to meet witli a huntsman 

 who knows when to be quiet and when to be quick. 

 Quickness, though, when ill judged, is often any- 

 thing but useful speed, while sluggish slackness is 

 just as much to be condemned. Of this I have 

 treated in another place. 



Mr. Ashton Smith's reply to a curate who 

 pestered him on his road home after an unsuccessful 

 day with his hounds, though very rude, was never- 

 theless not very far off the truth. 



" I should like to know, Mr. Ashton Smith, 

 what you consider your huntsman's place is 

 worth?" said the divine. 



^^ Perhaps, from two to three hundred pounds 

 a-year," grunted the squire. 



" Dear me," replied the curate, ^^ that is double 

 the sum, or more, that I get for doing my sacred 

 duties." 



''Humph," again growled the squire, ''that is 



