IN THE EARLY DAYS OF FOX-HUNTING. 135 



The Evolution of Fox-hunting. 



We do not propose to take a lengthened backward survey 

 of the history of the Mower-chase,' but merely to confine 

 our observations to a glance at the gradual development of 

 fpx-hunting during the last 150 years, before which date 

 there does not appear to be any authentic record of hounds 

 being solely ' entered to fox.' 



Prior thereto, when Reynard was hunted, the object was 

 to kill and kill only ; unlike the deer or hare, being unfit for 

 ' the pot,' he was only regarded as vermin. 



In some parts of America, it is the custom even in the 

 present day, to hunt on horseback, but in addition to 

 hounds, whip and spur, followers attend armed with shot- 

 guns ! and go out with the intention of making a bag 1 In 

 other States, however, where the surroundings and con- 

 ditions more closely resemble those to which we are 

 accustomed in the old world, fox-hunting is conducted 

 on much the same lines as in the Shires, and excellent 

 sport, with remarkably long points, obtained. 



The practice and manner of conducting the hunt has 

 undergone many changes since the days of our forefathers, 

 whose methods more closely resembled the system of cub- 

 hunting in vogue at the present day. Hounds would assemble 

 at the early hour of 4 a.m., find the fox by his drag, i.e., by 

 the line he would take back to his kennel (or covert) on 

 returning from his nightly expedition in search of food. 

 Authorities are agreed that this offers a critical nasal test, 

 but on occasions when the fox could hear the hounds 

 upwind, he would have the opportunity to steal away before 

 his pursuers could come up with him, and so much sport 

 would be missed. 



Although the woods are neither so numerous, nor any- 

 thing like so large as in bygone days, a great many gorse 



