THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 



difference in this respect), Avhat natural sound is more delight- 

 ful and aniniatino- than that of hounds in full cry, in the deep 

 recesses of an eclio-giving wood ? Neither would those writers 

 who have availed themselves of the beauty and sublimity 

 which allusion to sounds in nature stamp on their various 

 compositions, have at all descended from their eminence, if 

 they had, like Shakspeare, delighted as much in bringing the 

 soul in contact with such a sound as this as with the rolling of 

 tliunder or the bowlings of the storm. 



' The situation of huntsman to a pack of foxhounds is one 

 of great responsibility, and, if the breeding as well as huntino- 

 of them be left to him, a very arduous undertaking. Nor does 

 it end here. There is a great call for judgment in feeding 

 hounds to answer every purpose, such as long draws, severe 

 days, and, at the same time, to go tlie pace without showim>- 

 distress, and to come home at night with their sterns up and 

 looking fresh. Here variety of constitution increases the 

 difficulty ; for, to satisfy the eye, hounds should look level in 

 tlieir condition, as well as even in point of size. One hound 

 will not bear to ha\'e his belly more than half filled ; another 

 will not fill his when he may; and still each must be made 

 equal in strength and wind to the other, to stand hard work, 

 and go the pace without showing distress. A huntsman must 

 have a very watchful eye over their condition, which will be 

 affected by work and weather; and he must be pathologist 

 enough to foresee and provide against the alterations which 

 such circumstances produce. He had need also to be a 

 physiologist to exercise a sound judgment in breedino- his 

 hounds after a certain form and fashion, which are absolutely 

 essential to their doing well in their work, and at the same time 

 pleasing the eye. Then look at him in tlie field witli a hundred 

 eyes upon him, and a hundred tongues to canvass all his acts ! 

 Here he should be a philosopher, and tlie qualities o-iven to 

 him, by Beckford, at once make him sucli.^ 



1 ' " A good liuntsnian," says Beckford, " should l)e youiif;-, strong, .and active 

 bold and enterprising ; fond of the diversion, and indefatigable in tiie pursuit of 

 it; he should be sensible and good-tempered; he ought also to be sober- he 

 should be exact, civil, and cleanly ; he should be a good horseman, and a ^ood 

 groom ; his voice sho\ild be strong and clear ; and he should have an eye so 

 quick as to perceive whicli of his hounds carry the scent when all are running' • 

 and should have so excellent an ear, as always todistinguisli the foremost liounds 

 when he does not see them. lie should be quiet, patient, and witliout conceit 



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