222 A HUNTING CATECHISM 



banks, ditches, and boggy or rough ground — are all 

 successfully surmounted, though they may at 

 first cause many qualms to any one inexperienced 

 in such a chase. 



The chief pleasure in taking leaps has always 

 seemed to be the sensation imparted of flying ; and 

 this is scarcely experienced to the same degree 

 when jumping banks as in taking flying-fences. 

 The triumphant feeling of having surmounted 

 difficulties is, however, the same in either case ; 

 and this is often as conspicuous when successfully 

 traversing intricate mountain sides, with inse- 

 cure foothold, as in more level and cultivated 

 countries. All call for readiness of resource, and 

 a steadiness of nerve, that are invaluable for 

 testing manly qualities. It matters little in what 

 country the scene is laid, the thrill is the same 

 that permeates the right sort when a view-holloa 

 proclaims that the fox is away, whether the 

 country that lies before them is over flying- 

 fences, banks, or rough moors ; and the only 

 question that then arises in their minds is 

 whether they are about to be blessed with a 

 really good scent, with a reasonable hope of a 

 glorious gallop. 



After a young horse of the right conformation 

 and action, with plenty of speed, has been 

 procured either by purchase, or, what is still more 

 satisfactory, been bred from the old mare, the 

 first important stage in its education is teaching 

 it to jump. Unless the animal can take its fences 

 with steadiness and due care, it will never become 

 a first-class hunter. 



There is a right way, and a Avrong way of 

 doing everything, and as so much depends upon 

 the earliest lessons with a horse, with its 



