THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 



to kill most foxes, by skirting and meeting them in covers ; 

 whilst they have seldom killed a really good fox in a straight- 

 forward run. Murdering foxes in covers is an absurd prac- 

 tice. Seasoned foxes are as essential to sport as seasoned 

 hounds. 



' " When once you have established a pack of foxhounds, — 

 which it requires ten years to do, — be cautious of admitting 

 strangers from other packs amongst them during the season. 

 Hounds should be well acquainted with each other, for they 

 look to each other in difficulties, beyond what may generally be 

 imagined. Hounds are jealous to a degree ; and many, naturally 

 steady, will be induced to run riot by one bad example, 

 especially if exhibited by a stranger. In short, one faulty 

 hound, as one injudicious rider, may defeat the most promising 

 prospect of sport." 



' Mr. Meynell,' continued Mr. Somerby, ' is eminently qualified 

 to be at the head of such a country as the Quorn, by the 

 command he has acquired over his field, owing to the respect 

 paid to his character as a sportsman. He is often heard to 

 address them thus : — 



' " Nothing gives me more pleasure, gentlemen, than seeing my 

 hounds afibrd you good sport ; and nothing more pain, than 

 your marring it by over-riding them. That, generally, proceeds 

 from jealousy, which true sportsmen should be superior to ; 

 for if you are near enough to see hounds do their work, you 

 ought to be satisfied with your place, and care not who goes 

 first. Again, you should keep your eye on the body of the 

 hounds, instead of depending on two or three which are lead- 

 ing ; and you should always anticipate a check, which sheep, 

 cattle, teams at plough, arable land, or a road, are all likely 

 to produce. Remember that every check gives your fox an 

 advantage over hounds, and that scent is of a fleeting nature, 

 soon lost — never again to be recovered." 



' Mr. Meynell is a bold and superior horseman. In fact, no 

 practicable fence will stop him, when his hounds are running; 

 but he takes no unnecessary liberties with his horses. His 

 language to his hounds is at once emphatic and distinct, as 

 well as cheerful and musical in the extreme. His scream, or 

 view-halloo, is, indeed, wonderful, thrilling through the heart 

 and nerves of all who are within hearing of it. He is as great 

 a favourite with the farmers, as he is popular among his 



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