162 THE DIARY OF A HUNTSMAN 



it would be wiser, instead of dwelling so long, if 

 they first made all their forward casts completely, 

 and then came back. It certainly is no uncommon 

 thing for a fox to lie down and be left behind 

 altogether ; and it has often happened that he has 

 been found lying in a ditch, or some odd place, on 

 the return of the hounds. But had he gone on dur- 

 ing the time they were ferreting out all these places, 

 it would probably be of Httle use afterwards if the 

 hounds did hit off the scent. 



It is no uncommon thing for a good fox, on his 

 being first found, to go up wind for a mile or two, 

 and then head short down wind, and never turn 

 again. Probably instinct tells him that hounds will 

 go such a pace up wind, that they will be a httle 

 blown, and that the change of scent down wind 

 creates a slight check, which gives him the 

 advantage. 



Few things are so necessary for a huntsman to 

 acquire as a thorough knowledge of the country he 

 hunts. For to make a good cast when in difficulties, 

 he should have a map of the country in his head. 

 Unless he always knows the exact situation of the 

 covers near during the chase, he cannot be prepared 

 ofF-hand to make a proper cast, so as to take the 

 narrowest parts between the covers ; indeed he 



