BEASTS OF THE CHASE.— THE HARE. 



8i 



press on the pack if it is possible to prevent them, which it is 

 not. Harriers hate being crowded by horses, and if met by 

 them will often appear to check on purpose, and try back or in 

 any direction but the one in which they were running. Then 

 the huntsman should catch hold of them at once, get the coast 

 clear, and cast beyond the scene of opposition. Also on bad 

 scenting days, when hounds hang and potter and are inclined 

 to run back and rejoice over spots which have been favoured 







' The field should never be allowed to press on the pack.' 



with special marks of the hare's attention, the huntsman or 

 master will do w^ell to ride at a walk right on to them and keep 

 gently pressing them forward, but this must be done with great 

 caution and observance of the older hounds. Mysterious are 

 the ways of Puss and marvellous her workings. She may be 

 squatting within a dozen yards, having run her foil two or three 

 times before throwing herself to one side and down ; and 

 squatting she appears to be, as far as harriers are concerned, 

 scentless and invisible ; they will walk over her, jump over her, 



