HUNTING THE FOX 53 



The Huntsman must not be disappointed if they 

 do not always speak at once to the scent at the 

 very place where the Fox is reported to have 

 crossed, because he may make a sharp turn inside 

 the covert, as soon as he is out of sight, and may 

 run parallel to the ride for a few yards before 

 resuming his original direction ; or it may be one 

 of those curious days on which Hounds seem to 

 own the scent better when they are a few yards 

 to the right or left of the actual line ; or again, if 

 the Fox is running down wind, the steam from the 

 horses may spoil the scent for a few yards. Strange 

 things happen out hunting. It is true, however, 

 that when you are hunting Hounds there is nothing 

 more mortifying than to be shown by your own 

 tried and trusted whipper-in the exact spot where 

 he last saw the Fox, and then to find that your 

 Hounds will not own to the scent. But it is certain 

 that the best way to avoid this distressing experi- 

 ence is to slow down some time before you get to 

 the place, so as to give your Hounds plenty of 

 time to spread and feel for the scent, and they will 

 sooner or later tell you where their Fox is gone. 



To lay Hounds on to a line in the open in the 

 middle of a field is a little more difficult, but the 

 principle of the operation is the same, the all- 

 important thing being to keep them well in hand 

 and not attempt to lay them on until the direction 

 of the Fox's head has been definitely ascertained. 



