MR. MEYNELl's opinions AND PRACTICE. 399 



ties, but they should be experienced, and well 

 acquainted with each other. To guide a scent well 

 over a country for a length of time, and through 

 all the difficulties usually encountered, requires the 

 best and most experienced abilities. A faulty 

 hound, or injudicious rider, by one improper step, 

 may defeat the most promising run." It is evident, 

 from the above judicious observations, that an old- 

 established pack of hounds must have great advan- 

 tages over one of an opposite character, composed 

 of drafts from various kennels, and, of course, of 

 various qualities. 



We shall finish our extracts from this little 

 pamphlet, which was merely circulated privately 

 amongst the author's friends, but valued as from 

 the pen of so eminent a sportsman as the late Mr. 

 Hawkes proved himself to be, both in the field and 

 on the race-course — where he shone conspicuously 

 as one of the best gentlemen-jockies of his day — 

 with his judicious remark on the conduct of sports- 

 men who follow hounds. " Gentlemen, and every 

 person who makes hunting his pursuit," says he, 

 '' should learn to ride judiciously to hounds. It is 

 a contemplative amusement ; and much good diver- 

 sion might be promoted by a few regular precau- 

 tions. The principal thing to attend to is, not to 

 ride too near the hounds, and always as much as 

 possible anticipate a check. By which means the 

 leading men will pull their horses up in time, and 

 afford the hounds fair opportunity to keep the line 

 of scent unbroken. Sheep, cattle, teams at plough, 



