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144 THE LIFE OF A FOXHOUND. 



" I have heard," I remarked, after a 

 pause,, " with the greatest pleasure, all that 

 you have said regarding us, and I do not 

 think anything has been advanced without 

 sufficient reason being given. But what 

 would you say may be deemed a general rule 

 for a huntsman to observe ? ' 



" In the field ? " asked Trimbush. 

 Yes," replied I. 



Study the wind," returned he, " let 

 hounds alone, and keep his eyes on the line- 

 hunters. On these important points," he 

 continued, " depends all the success in 

 hunting. But when I say let hounds alone, 

 I mean that they are to stand still just long 

 enough for them to be sure that the scent is not 

 at the point they are trying. We then go 

 cheerfully to try another ; but there is nothing 

 so prejudicial as an imperfect, hasty cast." 



' ' Nothing can be more obvious, ' ' I replied ; 

 " and I wish, vdth all my heart, that such a 

 golden rule could be indelibly carved in the 

 memory of every one whom fate may decree 

 to blow a horn to hounds." 



"Ay," rejoined Trimbush, " if abided by, 

 there would be but little cause for grumbling 

 about want of sport. We can generally do 



