LETTER XXVI. 285 



bad shot, and get laughed at for your remarks. You 

 may ask the name of any one which particularly takes 

 your fancy, and keep your eye upon him afterwards in 

 the work of the day. This will give you an interest in 

 what is going on. You may also ask the huntsman what 

 he thinks of the weather, if of a conversable turn, and, 

 having made your survey, the next best thing you can 

 do is to make yourself scarce, remount your horse, and 

 prepare for business. 



If the hounds approach where you are, turn your horse's 

 head in the direction they are going, and, if in a lane or 

 road, keep as near to the fence as possible, giving them 

 room to pass you. Bear in mind throughout the day 

 always to turn as the hounds are going, and never meet 

 them if possible to avoid it. In going to the covert 

 which is first to be drawn, you will have plenty of time 

 to exchange greetings with your friends, if you have any, 

 and get rid of all the jokes which you may have been 

 bottling up for the occasion. 



As soon as the hounds are thrown into covert, then all 

 coffeehousing should cease, and prepare for business. 

 Follow the huntsman at a respectful distance, and observe 

 how the hounds draw. When the fox is found, do not 

 be too much in a hurry, the huntsman will be your best 

 guide to follow, but you must consider him a very great 

 man, and not press too near upon him and his favourites, 

 or he will wish you at the bottom of the sea. If there 

 be real sporting blood in your veins you will not regard 

 a few scratches in the face, or having your boots nearly 

 torn off your legs in brushing through some good stiff 

 underwood. 



When the hounds break away, keep your eye upon 



