178 THE DIARY OF A HUNTSMAN 



use of his thinking, when the hounds are going with 

 the huntsman ? 



It is necessary that a whipper-in should be 

 naturally fond of the sport, so that his heart and 

 soul are in it. Even men who hunt with hounds, 

 if they are really fond of it, cannot help occasionally 

 showing a wish to assist and whip in. And men 

 who have hunted their own hounds have often felt 

 a wish to become whippers-in, knowing, as they do, 

 that it is possible for a good whipper-in to do more 

 towards the sport on most days than the huntsman. 

 The thing is, to find a man who does not wish to 

 save himself ; and if he is really fond of it, he never 

 will. This point found out, decides whether he 

 keeps his place or not ; for they are apt to take it 

 too quietly, forgetting that the first exertion may 

 save their lungs, their limbs, and body, during the 

 whole season afterwards. Indeed, some say that a 

 whipper-in is not worth keeping if, after a hound 

 has thrown his tongue twice in cover or riot, he 

 does not instantly get to him, through bushes or 

 what not, either on or off his horse, and correct the 

 hound on the spot — if possible get hold of him by 

 the tail, and lay the whip along his side, rating him 

 by name at the same time. He will be so frightened 

 as well as hurt, that he will not readily forget it ; 



