156 THE DIARY OF A HUNTSMAN 



five or thirty couple. In the first place, a large 

 cover generally holds more than one fox, often 

 several ; therefore, as a small pack is more likely to 

 keep together when running in cover than a large 

 one, there is less chance of changing, for it is 

 impossible for a large pack to keep together long, 

 when the ground is stained. The tail hounds have 

 no scent to lead them on to keep pace with the 

 forward hounds, consequently, when a little be- 

 hind they cut across to get to them when they 

 turn, and, in doing this, often cross the hne of 

 another fox ; when, owing to there being so many 

 hounds behind, they make so great a cry, that if it 

 happens the leading hounds check at the time, it is 

 ten to one but that they join the tail hounds, which 

 would not have been the case if only one or two, 

 or a few only, were running the fresh fox, as there 

 would not have been such a crash. Consequently, 

 when a fox is pressed so much, he will often fly ; 

 but had they once changed, it would have been 

 different, and he would have stayed in cover 

 probably ; besides which, the ground is not so much 

 stained, and also, by sticking to one, others find it 

 best to get out of the way. 



It often happens when a fox goes straight away 

 for several miles a pretty good pace, it is evident 



