THE NOBLE SCIENCE. 43 



particularly. We will only hope that these laudable 

 characteristics are to be found in the majority of hunts- 

 men throughout merry England : I should say, the whole 

 of Great Britain, or world of chase. 



You will be fortunate if, in addition to the advantage 

 of some education, and that of being altogether a 

 rational being, your huntsman be possessed of that 

 rare qualification, — a good temper. A man may be 

 strictly honest, and clever in his business, but may 

 have an infinnity of temper which will destroy all plea- 

 sure in the communion and intercourse which should 

 exist between him and the master. He should thankfully 

 receive any hints or advice which you may think fit to 

 bestow upon him, either at home or in the field ; and it 

 is your business to take care that he is never, upon any 

 occasion, interfered with by any one but yourself: at the 

 same time, he should preserve the most respectful 

 civihty of attention to any remarks which may be 

 casually adaressed to him by others. But it is far less 

 on your own account (although the pleasure of your 

 field, and your own popularity, may, in a great degree, 

 depend upon your huntsman's temper), it is less for 

 your own sake than for that of the hounds, that he 

 should be gifted, at least, with patience and forbear- 

 ance. There are two ways of doing everything: and 

 some things may be, perhaps, equally well done by 

 different plans ; but, without making so wide a distinc- 



