276 A YEAR OF SPORT AND NATURAL HISTORY. 



widely from the slower pursuit across lowlands, especially if among 

 them ploughed fields and dusty fallows prevail so greatly that 

 harriers cannot run a hundred yards in full cry without being 

 brought to their noses. Equally true is it that many followers 

 of the Brighton pack care for nothing but the pace, and ride 

 down steep hillsides at the risk of life and limb as if " the image 

 of war " were worth nothing without its dangers. The majority, 

 however, content themselves with excitement in a much milder 

 form, and keep to the ridges, well pleased if, by cool judgment 

 and skilful skirting, they can cut in occasionally with hounds and 

 enjoy a quick burst ; while the bolder few, having dashed madly 

 down the slippery slopes, are toiling slowly up again. Southdown 

 hares are not so timid as to be easily turned from their points or 

 driven into intricate doubles at the sight of horsemen galloping 

 hither and thither ; but one can remember how in old days 

 many a good run was spoilt by eager riders pressing too closely 

 upon the scent, or by scores of skirters foiling it in their anxiety to 

 be with the pack for a few brief minutes. One master used rather 

 to encourage wildness by his own example. Mr. Hugh Gorringe 

 has, however, changed all that, and will have his hounds hunted 

 on scientific principles or not at all. Hard riders and skirters 

 alike are kept under due control, and so a day with the Brighton 

 Harriers, instead of degenerating into a series of quick scurries 

 that would make hounds as wild as their followers, becomes a 

 very pleasant experience, in which old-fashioned sticklers for 

 every formality, not less than the lovers of pace, will take 

 delight. If fortunate in the selection of a good fixture, and 

 enthusiastic enough to ride with the hounds wherever they run, 

 a stranger will find his day's sport quite as much as horse or 



