84 HUNTING THE FOX 



Add to Patience the Love of Foxhounds. 



It is often said that some men are " doggy " by- 

 nature, and possess some charm that makes all 

 dogs love and obey them. Whether this is true 

 or not is incapable of proof. But there is no manner 

 of doubt that the practice of common sense and 

 the cultivation of sympathy will go a very long 

 way in the art of deahng with a pack of Foxhounds 

 in the field. 



The first essential for the Huntsman to bear in 

 mind is never to lose his temper with the Hounds, 

 nor even to speak harshly to them. He may lose 

 his temper with his Field, his men, or his horse, 

 though he had much better keep smiling with all 

 three. But once he loses his temper with his 

 Hounds he gets out of tune with them, and his 

 whole influence over them has vanished. 



A pack of Foxhounds is seldom in quite the same 

 mood two days running, being keenly influenced 

 by the scent and the weather. On some days they 

 appear to be wild and headstrong, on other days 

 listless and slack. But whatever they do, the 

 Huntsman should always place the most favourable 

 construction on their proceedings, and be ready 

 to take all the blame for himself ; he should never 

 be in such a frame of mind as to blame his Hounds. 

 Of course it is a fatal mistake to be overcome by 

 sentiment to the extent of being lenient to rogues, 

 especially if they are mute. A mute Hound should 



