fi66 SYSTEM OF KENNEL AND 



CHAPTER XLIII. 



" Each season has its joys, 'tis true, 

 And none should reason spurn ; 

 And those who nature rightly view, 

 Enjoy them in their- turn. 



" The angler, racer, courser, shot, 

 As each to each is born ; 

 But the season of seasons — is it not ? — 

 When the huntsman winds his horn." 



"Sub Jove frigido" — The foxhunter's season — When a fox is not a 

 fox — Distinguishing characteristics of well-bred foxhounds — 

 Making the best of a bad scent — Will Headman's descent into 

 lower regions— Hazel Grove — Forcing a fox — A cool calculator 

 nearly outwitted — The afternoon fox — Barren downs and luxu- 

 riant pastures. 



A GOOD scenting morning may be^ and often is, 

 succeeded by a bad scent in the afternoon, during tlie 

 winter months which constitute the season of fox- 

 hunting. It so happens that the foxhunter is de- 

 barred from the usual enjoyment of sunshine and 

 genial weather which cheer another sportsman, 

 whether handling rod or fowling-piece. Angling, 

 grouse, partridge, and pheasant shooting are not 

 pursued as our sport is, sub Jove frigido. The at- 

 mosphere is not so frigid that they cannot derive 

 some enjoyment from the balmy breezes by which 

 they are surrounded, even should their game prove 

 too scanty to fill creel or bag. There are two causes 

 which prevent our sport commencing before the 

 winter season sets in. Foxes are not considered as 



