54 A HUNTING CATECHISM 



this precaution was taken, for all those fastened 

 up clied from rabies, excepting one, who had 

 a slight scratch that might have been done by a 

 thorn, while one of the keepers said he was 

 absolutely certain this one had never been in the 

 fray at all. Still he was kept isolated for about 

 six weeks, and as he was a dear old dog, and a 

 great favourite with every one, a very anxious 

 time was passed until he was pronounced free 

 from the infection. Those who have had experi- 

 ence of this dreadful disease are, indeed, grateful 

 to Mr. Long, and are truly thankful there is now 

 no risk of incurring its ravages. 



A huntsman needs to be a bold rider, for he is 

 often required to jump a big fence, when making 

 a cast, while the rest of the field are standing still 

 and merely looking on, and he must be always 

 sufficiently close to his hounds in a run to see 

 what is taking place, and to afford them assist- 

 ance if they require it ; at the same time he 

 must be a careful rider or he will get to the end 

 of his horse's powers before the end of a really 

 fine chase. It is absolutely necessary that both 

 he and his whips should be well mounted, for 

 otherwise they cannot do the work expected of 

 them, nor is it right that their lives and limbs 

 should be placed in jeopardy through niggard- 

 liness in purchasing their horses. At the same 

 time it is not necessary they should be mounted 

 on unblemished animals fit to take prizes at a 

 show, and many a sound, good hunter may be 

 picked up cheaply that will carry a hunt servant 

 to perfection, whose drop in price is due only to 

 some accident that mars its looks in the eyes 

 of the ordinary purchaser. 



There is much in a day's hunting, besides 



