32 THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 



' If a fox hangs long in cover, leave him, rather than mob 

 him to death. He may have a reason for doing so, which 

 he will sooner die for, than forego ; and he may show 

 good sport at another time. 



' Do not think too much about killing foxes, or of 

 " blood," as the term is. The wildest packs of hounds have 

 been known to kill the most foxes, by skirting and meeting 

 them in covers ; whilst they have seldom killed a really 

 good fox in a straightforward run. Murdering foxes 

 in covers is an absurd practice. Seasoned foxes are as 

 essential to sport as seasoned hounds. 



' When once you have established a pack of foxhounds, 

 which it requires ten years to do, be cautious of admitting 

 strangers from other packs amongst them during the season. 

 Hounds should be well acquainted with each other, for 

 they look to each other in difficulties, beyond what may 

 generally be imagined. Hounds are jealous to a degree ; 

 and many, naturally steady, will be induced to run riot 

 by one bad example, especially if exhibited by a stranger. 

 In short, one faulty hound, as well as one injudicious 

 rider, may defeat the most promising prospect of sport.' 



" Mr. Meynell," continued Mr. Somerby, " is eminently 

 qualified to be at the head of such a country as the Quorn, 

 by the command he has acquired over his field, owing to 

 the respect paid to his character as a sportsman. He is 

 often heard to address them thus : 



' Nothing gives me more pleasure, gentlemen, than 

 seeing my hounds afford you good sport ; and nothing 

 more pain, than your marring it by over-riding them. 

 That, generally, proceeds from jealousy, which true 

 sportsmen should be superior to ; for if you are near 

 enough to see hounds do their work, you ought to be 

 satisfied with your place, and care not who goes first. 

 Again, you should keep your eye on the body of the 

 hounds, instead of depending on two or three which are 

 leading ; and you should always anticipate a check, which 

 sheep, cattle, teams at plough, arable land, or a road, are 

 all likely to produce. Remember that every check gives 

 your fox an advantage over hounds, and that scent is of a 

 fleeting nature, soon lost never again to be recovered. 3 



" Mr. Meynell is a bold and superior horseman. In 

 fact, no practicable fence will stop him, when his hounds 

 are running ; but he takes no unnecessary liberties with 

 his horses. His language to his hounds is at once emphatic 



