178 MANAGEMENT OF HOUNDS. 



really overstocked with foxes, except the outskirts, to 

 which I was often sent, as in this instance ; but then we 

 ran back into the heart of the country, where I knew 

 the chances were sadly against our catching the hunted 

 fox. We had, fortunately, escaped this trial early in the 

 run through some large woodlands ; and, knowing the 

 large covert to which we were running to be full of foxes 

 also, I adopted the only course which, under such cir- 

 cumstances, I could pursue, with credit to myself and 

 satisfaction to the hounds, which latter, by-the-bye, were 

 always my first consideration. 



A pack of foxhounds, like an army flushed with suc- 

 cess, with confidence in their leader, will carry everything 

 before them. I always fought for the hounds, and, by 

 keeping them in blood and good heart, the}^ always ex- 

 pected success to crown their efforts ; and I never felt 

 any anxiety on their account. Liberties, such as the 

 one above related, 1 sometimes took with them ; but 

 they were too good to be spoilt by a dash of this kind. 

 With the exception of my reverend enemy, who was a 

 great admirer of Mr. Slowman, all the field were de- 

 lighted at the off'-hand style in which I finished Mr. 

 Slyboots, and pronounced it the best thing they had 

 ever seen. " That's your way. Sir," said a sporting 

 farmer, " never mind an old croaker or two — we are 

 overrun with foxes, which I don't care much about, but 

 I like to see some of 'em brought to hand. Will you be 

 out to-morrow again ?" " No, my friend, that's Mr. 

 Slowman's day ; but Friday I shall be at Burton Gate, 

 and hope you will come and see us pull down another." 

 " Aye, that I will," said the farmer, " and a few more of 

 us as well." 



