FIRST-HAND BITS OF STABLE LORE 



that has fair " law " and means going. Not a few 

 of these old-stagers seem to enjoy the chase, and 

 will keep just far enough in front to make hounds 

 do their best, until nearing the finish, when they 

 really " set sail " for the box-stall that awaits 

 them, to which they unerringly return. They 

 are a bother to procure and keep, however, and 

 should not be seriously considered. 



The farmers, over whose lands one hunts, 

 must be cared for properly, and made to realize, 

 by purchase of supplies from them when possi- 

 ble, and by prompt settlement of any reasonable 

 damage claims, that hunting is to their interest. 

 Picnics, dances, etc., should feature each season, 

 once at least ; growing crops, new meadows, etc., 

 should be shunned ; smashed rails should be at 

 once replaced, the dragsman going over the course 

 the very next morning with spare rails, boards, 

 etc., stamped with the club stencil, so that there 

 may be no question about it, and making good 

 all damages ; claims for stock getting out, etc., 

 should be courteously considered, and promptly 

 settled ; ask permission of all land-owners first, 

 and shun carefully the premises of all who ob- 

 ject ; their number will be few if they are prop- 

 erly approached, and the objects clearly explained. 



280 



