The H.H. 273 



driving over cold scenting grounds. His old hounds, 

 consequently, are drafted as soon as they develope the 

 slightest sign of pottering, or any of the numerous 

 failings to which age is prone. The result is that the 

 H.H. make all that is possible out of such scent as 

 may be given to the day, and the ground will carry. 

 If they do not often get the opportunity of racing, it 

 is no fault of theirs. The bitch pack, especially, look 

 like " flying '^ ; and cleaner necks and shoulders are 

 not to be found on hounds. But whereas on the 

 wolds there is seldom a scent which would bear un- 

 abashed the epithet of burning, in their better country 

 the coverts are so thickly scattered that a burst can 

 seldom last many minutes. Should hounds be for- 

 tunate enough to get away from the first stronghold 

 at the brush of their fox, they are bound to find them- 

 selves almost immediately in the depths of another, 

 whose very density will tempt the stoutest fox to 

 hang. Even should he be so gayhearted as to prefer 

 an instant onward course, the chances are all in favour 

 of his exit being anticipated and thwarted — by some- 

 one wise enough, and wicked enough, to reach the 

 other side of the covert before him. At least so say 

 those who should know, and who have gained their 

 knowledge under suffering. 



The towns of Winchester, Basingstoke, and Farn- 

 ham constitute outside points conveying a very good 

 idea of the extent of the H.H. country; and any of 

 these may be chosen by the visitor wishing for insight 

 into the '^ craft '^ as practised on the Hampshire Hills. 

 Basingstoke is not only the most handy to the 

 Londoner — the 9 a.m. train from Waterloo landing 



