HUNTING THE FOX 23 



If, in spite of all precautions, Hounds get away 

 on an old Fox, they should be stopped as gently 

 and quietly as possible, in such a manner as not 

 to make them think they have done anything 

 wrong. If the Huntsman is lucky enough to be 

 with them at the first check, he can draw them 

 away from the line directly their heads are up and 

 he can gain their attention. This is so constantly 

 done with the best intentions during the regular 

 hunting that it should not be difficult during the 

 Cub-hunting. They should then be taken quietly 

 back to the woodland at such a pace as will give 

 them time to get their minds and bodies cool before 

 asking them to find another Cub. Hounds should 

 never be invited to draw with their mouths open. 



During the month of October, when the country 

 is a little more practicable for mounted pursuit, 

 and after the puppies have been well drilled in 

 covert for some weeks, if the whole pack come out 

 of covert well together on the line of their Cub, 

 then they may be allowed to go, when a sharp 

 burst or two in the open will teach them to get 

 through the fences, and improve their condition 

 by opening their pipes. But before the 1st of 

 November they should never be holloaed away 

 on the first Fox that leaves the covert. This 

 Fox is nearly sure to be the old dog Fox, who will 

 probably lead his pursuers so far away from home 

 that it may be impossible to get back to the covert 



