Riding to Covert 323 



does, that foxes do not always kennel on the south side or 

 go away up-wind. Sometimes, indeed, it seems as if they 

 knew the general theory of hunting men in this regard and 

 kennelled for the day in a position to upset all their well-laid 

 plans. Position is really something that concerns the hard 

 riders more than it does the genuine hunting men. When 

 you get it right it is considered a great stroke of luck, and 

 when, as is often the case, you don't it is very hard 

 indeed. 



The question of right position is an easier one after the 

 io^ has broken. After the first burst of speed, lasting, ac- 

 cording to the condition of the fox, for five or twenty-five 

 or even forty minutes, there is sure to be a check, and then, 

 as we have shown, he turns down-wind. For instance, he 

 goes away east and the wind is south. Then he is almost 

 certain to turn to the north, so as to run down-wind, and 

 if you wish to take advantage of him, your best position 

 will be to the north of his line. For my own part, I pre- 

 fer to take no position in advance of the Master at the 

 covert-side, and to follow the hounds, if I can, regardless 

 of wind. Should they get out of sight or hearing when 

 going east, for instance, the wind being south, I keep to 

 the north country, so as to have a ready view of them if 

 they make a turn that way themselves. For a hunting 

 man this is quite enough manoeuvring. A great many 

 times, too, riding men would be better off if they did not 

 undertake to anticipate the fox. But here we are at the 

 covert-side. 



