HUNTSAL\N 171 



much so, that a celebrated sportsman m the south 

 has, it is said, adopted the plan of pacing the 

 shepherds a certain sum ever\- day the hounds meet 

 near, to keep their dogs fastened up, — this being a 

 verv open countn.', where dogs are of great use to 

 the shepherds. 



Blank days will seldom happen if a country is 

 hunted regularly and without partiahty. It is 

 the too frequently hunting favourite covers, and 

 ne^lectincr to hunt the outskirts, which is one cause 

 of blank days. The foxes go where they are 

 quietest : and the consequence is they are unfairly 

 destroyed, on the plea that it is no use to keep 

 foxes if they are not hmited. And to ensure sport 

 a man must be ver^- judicious in making his appoint- 

 ments, so as not to draw the same cover too often, 

 although prethk- sure of finding. And it is best not 

 to name the fiixtures until the end of the week, for 

 the week following, as it is impossible to say which 

 covers will not be distiu-bed. And few. besides large- 

 holding covers. \\"ill bear draAving oftener than once 

 hi tliree weeks, to be a tolerably siu-e find. And 

 that comitry. also, generally shows the best sport 

 where the outskirts are fairly himted, equally vdth 

 the best parts of it, Avithout regard to distance, 

 because the foxes go straighter, and ^-ar\' the fine of 



