156 SYSTEM OF KENNEL AND 



he is a trump, and not an ignoramus. He must 

 know well the hunted from a fresh fox, and if the 

 pack divides, stop instantly those on the wrong 

 scent ; and by his quickness and cleverness in this 

 matter depends the fortune of the day. This is an 

 act thoroughly independent of the huntsman, who 

 cannot hunt and rate hounds at the same time. 

 Then he must be well acquainted with all the earths 

 and drains in the country to which foxes generally 

 resort ; and when the hunted fox is evidently run- 

 ning for one of those unstopped, it is his business 

 to get forward without instructions from the hunts- 

 man and prevent the fox gaining it before him, and, 

 if quickly done, the first whipper-in has here the 

 credit of killinor his fox. He ouMit also to know 

 the shortest way across country to any given point, 

 and although at some times acting, as we have just 

 before mentioned, quite independently of the hunts- 

 man, at others he must be obedient to his com- 

 mands. A good temper is not so indispensable as 

 in a huntsman, yet his infliction of punishment on 

 the hounds, when running riot, should be tempered 

 with justice and moderation. We like to see a 

 man sparing of tongue, but vigorous in action, — 

 one who will not be foolish enough to rate when he 

 is unable to enforce obedience, since riotous hounds 

 know as well as he does that they are un-come-at-able 

 in high coppice of seven or eight years' growth, 

 and therefore they will have their fun out, notwith- 

 standing the most furious objurgations. A sensible 

 whipper-in will wait patiently until the delinquents 



