CHAPTER IX 



SOME VIEWS OF A MASTER OF OTTERHOUNDS 



Popularity of otter-hunting in Devon— New packs of 

 otterhounds — Otter-hunting not an artificial sport — The 

 miller — Value of his goodwill — Different views of otter- 

 hunting — Friction between the Master and his com- 

 mittee — Troubles in the field, and troubles in kennel — 

 The compensations — Essex and Suffolk — Farmers in the 

 Cheriton country — Help from ladies — Proper treatment 

 of hounds — Expenses — Hounds' food — Wages — Railway 

 expenses— Total cost 



By ARTHUR HEINEMANN 



(Master and Huntsman of the Cheriton Otter Hunt and formerly 



of the Essex Otterhounds) 



Some think that spring and summer strew the otter- 

 hunter's path with flowers, but, if the flowers be roses, 

 I have generally, speaking from personal experience, 

 found the thorns not far distant. As in paintings, the 

 dark background throws up nearer beauties, so do the 

 tribulations, more particularly those which beset him 

 who would hunt otters in a country new to the sport — 

 obstacles which he would never encounter in districts 

 where the " sly goose-footed prowler " had been hunted 

 from time immemorial — enhance his delight when he 

 does get a good sporting day. In a new country, to 



