HOKSES AXD HOU:J^DS. 263 



scent : and most annoying it is to a master to see often tlie 

 whole field bent upon destroying that which he is anxiously 

 endeavouring to afford them — a good run. What any amateur 

 has to do riding alongside of the leading couples, I am at a loss 

 to comprehend, where even the huntsman has no occasion to be, 

 unless he is troubled with short sight. I maintain that no man 

 should ride in such near proximity to the hounds, and where he 

 cannot help doing mischief To the left or right hand of the 

 pack, as the wind may be, is the huntsman's place, but not so 

 near to the leading hounds as to prevent or interfere with their 

 swinging either to the right or left, when the scent fails at head. 

 They should have always room for this. The eye of the hunts- 

 man ought always to be intently fixed upon the leading hounds, 

 and he must be a stupid fellow if he cannot detect in a moment 

 when they have no scent before them. By riding at their head 

 he encourages others to follow his example ; and if the hounds 

 throw up suddenly, they have then to make their cast among 

 the horses. Hard riders, who have already gained notoriety by 

 tlieir feats in horsemanship, may by their forbearance in not 

 riding too close upon the hounds, set a good example to others ; 

 and to the young aspirants after fcime I would offer a few sug- 

 gestions, by following which they may avoid doing harm if they 

 cannot do good, and may secure to themselves the reputation of 

 being not only good riders, in the true acceptation of the term, 

 but also the character of good sportsmen. 



Supposing you ride your own hunter to the place of meeting; 

 when arrived there you will dismount, put the saddle in its 

 right place, take care the girths are not too tightly drawn, or 

 the throat-lash inconveniently pressing. Should the morning 

 be fine you may as well stand or walk your horse about for a 

 few minutes, and, if a cigar fancier, then is your time for 

 indulging in your favourite weed, although I think there is 

 nothing less becoming to a real sportsman than a cigar. If you 

 wish to have a look at the hounds — and this, of course, you will 

 do if one of the right sort — do not approach too near them 

 unless your horse is perfectly quiet with hounds, and accus- 

 tomed to them. It is better to give your horse to some one to 

 hold the while you inspect the pack on foot, and not run the 

 risk of drawing down the anathemas of master, huntsmen, and 

 whips, for bis kicking and perhaps maiming a favourite hound. 

 Your approaching them on foot will make a favourable impres- 

 sion that you are careful to avoid doing mischief, and under- 

 stand more of the business than perhaps you actually do. 

 Unless a good judge of make and shape, do not hazard an 

 opinion of any particular hound, or you may happen to make 



