In the Field. 55 



Hunting, unlike other sports, has no written 

 rules for instruction of the novice, therefore 

 necessary customs and observances can only be 

 acquired by actual experience in the field. 



If you have neither the time nor inclination 

 to make practical study of fox-hunting and wish 

 to enjoy an occasional day's hunting without 

 detracting from the pleasures of others afield, the 

 adoption of the following "do n'ts," with a slight 

 knowledge and experience of hounds and hunt- 

 ing, and the ability to keep your mouth closed, 

 your eyes and ears open, looking wise, will ma- 

 terially assist you in fooling others into the be- 

 lief that you are a ''real blown in the bottle" fox- 

 hunter. 



On your way to the "meet" avoid crossing or 

 riding over country there is any possibility of be- 

 ing hunted later on, especially if there are sev- 

 eral in your party. Foxes that have been hunted 

 before take their cue from your horse's foot-steps 

 and your own voice, and act accordingly. 



Do not fret and worry your horse en route 

 by "larking" (jumping unnecessary fences), he 

 will need every ounce of his reserve force later on. 



While it is unpardonable for any one to join 

 the field without a thorough knowledge of at least 

 the rudimentary rules of the game, a novice, es- 

 pecially a w^oman, may offend the customs and 

 observances of the field ; do not swear at the man 

 or scowl at the woman, no matter how strongly 



