THE HUNTSMAN'S POINT OF VIEW 207 



the large number of men who are continually spoiling 

 sport without being conscious of it. This man is a 

 striking instance of the proverb that a little knowledge 

 is a dangerous thing. He understands something, not 

 very much, about making a cast, and always wishes to 

 parade this knowledge for the benefit of the Master, 

 while it seems to be part of his creed to disagree with 

 the huntsman, or, at all events, never to admit that the 

 huntsman has been right. Of course, he is the oracle 

 of the local club smoking-room, and it is not surprising 

 that some of his criticisms reach the ears of the hunts- 

 man, who, like a sensible man, merely laughs at them 

 with good-natured contempt, as do the majority of his 

 listeners. Let him criticise to his heart's content in 

 smoking-rooms so long as he cuts his cackle in the 

 hunting-field. 



It may be argued that, if it were not for the foolish 

 indulgence of the Master, such men could cause no 

 mischief ; but some Masters consider themselves 

 bound to respect the opinions of their followers 

 even in such a matter as making a cast. Other 

 Masters will snub a man severely if he ventures to 

 make the slighest suggestion, and will even express 

 anger with their huntsman before the whole field if a 

 fox happens to beat hounds. For the latter practice 

 there can be no excuse ; nor is it the action of a 

 gentleman. Certainly there have been huntsmen with 

 the courage to retaliate at the risk of losing their 

 places ; but, even when the storm has cleared, the 

 proceedings can hardly be regarded as dignified or 

 redounding to the credit of the Hunt. Masters must 



