IN THE FIELD. 309 



efforts had been spoiled by the people who rode over 

 the ground and thus foiled the line. It is obvious 

 that to spoil the sport of others in this negligent 

 manner is to cover ourselves with humiliation, and 

 other unbecoming wraps. 



It must be remembered that hunting, unlike 

 other forms of sport, has no written rules of its 

 own for the guidance of the uninitiated. Every in- 

 dulgence should therefore be shown to the hunting 

 tyro who innocently commits errors ; for in nine cases 

 out of ten it is probable she does so, from ignorance 

 of the unwritten laws which govern the conduct of 

 the experienced hunting man and woman. On this 

 subject Mr. Otho Paget writes : " The lady novice 

 comes in for her share of blame, and though she may 

 not get sworn at, black looks will soon explain the 

 situation. For her I would also crave induloence, 

 and if she becomes a regular offender, you can ask 

 her male friends to tell her in what way she is doing 

 wrong. In whatever way we may treat them, there 

 is no excuse for the novice, male or female, embarking 

 on a hunting career, without having ascertained the 

 customs and observances w^hich are considered neces- 

 sary by those who have had considerable experience. 

 Anyone who comes out hunting without, 

 knowing the rules of the game, is a constant source 

 of danger to those who are near." This is all very 

 true of course ; but the aspiring Diana may well ask 

 " what are these said rules, and where can I obtain 

 them ? " I feel sure that all hunting novices would 



