76 HUNTING THE FOX 



number of notes on the horn is advised in covert 

 in order to form as great a contrast as possible 

 to the long call, which must be sounded when the 

 Fox breaks covert. Each Huntsman will probably 

 have his own particular call to get his Hounds out 

 of covert, but should have the imagination to 

 make his horn speak in harmony to this thrilling 

 moment. 



Before sounding his horn the Huntsman should 

 invariably holloa " Cop forrard away " as loudly 

 and clearly as he can. This is the final and execu- 

 tive word of command, which should always be 

 given by the great man himself. The pulsations 

 of the long call on the horn that follows should be 

 sustained as long as he has breath in his body, 

 and should be renewed until every Hound is away 

 and the great adventure in the open is definitely 

 launched. The horn should now be returned to 

 the horn case, and need not be taken out again 

 until another covert is entered, or the Fox is killed, 

 run to ground, or lost. The horn need hardly ever 

 be blown in the open, and certainly never should 

 be used when casting, because in the open the 

 Hounds are, or ought to be, in front of the horses. 

 A possible exception to this rule may occur when 

 Hounds divide ; when the whipper-in has stopped 

 his lot, and their heads are up, a timely note or 

 two may be invaluable in recalling them to the 

 Huntsman's lot. Do not forget that they can 



