The Science of Hunting the Otter. I75 



and, whatever the result, of going to another many 

 miles away a few days later, is fatal to sport of this 

 description — sport such as that shown by Mr. Lomax 

 and Mr. Hill in the past — and the necessity (or 

 fancied necessity) of getting hounds back to kennels 

 the same night, however distant they may be, pre- 

 cludes all chance of showing it. It is here that the 

 caravan or gypsy method of hunting the Otter, to 

 which I have already referred, is distinctly recom- 

 mendable. 



Have as many days with neighbouring packs 

 during the season as you can possibly manage 

 without neglecting your own work. A very great 

 deal can be learnt by noting the mistakes (or fancied 

 mistakes) of your brother Masters ; but never, your- 

 self, make the mistake of pointing them out to any- 

 one else. Keep the example for your own warning 

 only. Of course if your brother Master should ask 

 you for your advice or opinion — a most unlikely 

 contingency — you will be ready to express it and to 

 " give your reasons," as the school-books say. But 

 you will never volunteer them. On the other hand, 

 if you can persuade some Master or ex-Master of 

 reputation and experience to come and have a day 

 with you do not miss the opportunity of asking his 

 advice and opinion, though you need not be weak 

 enough to act upon it if your personal conviction is 

 opposed thereto. After all, you can learn a great 



