38 In Scarlet and Silk 



baps — and this is one of the most curious 

 things in hunting, as all practical men know 

 — the scent has lifted from the ground, and 

 is then floating in the air above hounds' 

 heads, only to rest again on the ground a 

 few minutes later. Having satisfied himself 

 that his assistance is essential in recovering 

 the scent, the huntsman must now get hold 

 of his hounds and make his cast. And here 

 he should remember that of the many things 

 which may have headed his fox, a flock of 

 sheep is not likely to have done the mischief. 

 I have many times found the tracks of foxes 

 in the snow going right through a lot of 

 sheep. Of course they can do an infinity 

 of mischief in the way of foiling a scent, 

 but I am perfectly confident that a fox, 

 hunted or otherwise, would never condescend 

 to go out of his way for the sake of a flock 

 of sheep. If your fox has been chased by a 

 cur it is a bad business, for scent ceases, as 

 from the scene of the incident. Shepherds' 

 dogs are a terrible nuisance in this respect, and 

 do nine-tenths of the work of spoiling sport. 



