HUNTING THE FOX 9 



But there is no limit to the influence of the M.F.H. 

 if he has the power and the will to use it wisely 

 and well, fortified by the resolve to leave his country, 

 when he lays down his office, in at least as good a 

 state as he found it, and as much better as he can 

 possibly make it. The proper administration of 

 a hunting country is a vital part of Fox-hunting. 

 As a general principle the Master should always 

 work through the agency of the Secretary and the 

 Committee, who should consult him before taking 

 important decisions. But the Master had better 

 not come into open and direct contact with any- 

 thing that has to do with finance, however much 

 he may advise in private council with regard to 

 ways and means. The main postulate is that he 

 should know everything that is going on, so that 

 he may place his experience and influence at the 

 disposal of the Secretary. The only administrative 

 department that he might conceivably take into 

 his own hands is that of the earth-stopping. If 

 the Secretary hunts every day in the season from 

 the beginning of Cub-hunting, he can manage 

 the earth-stopping himself, and it is probably 

 better so. But even then the M.F.H. and the 

 Huntsman should be personally acquainted with 

 every earth-stopper in the country, and know where 

 to find him, especially if the Secretary lives some 

 distance from the Kennel, and cannot therefore be 

 communicated with on an emergency. But who- 



