326 HUNTING. 



but still, sometimes — very rarely, of course — we find 

 ourselves uttering impatient remarks in the excitement 

 of the chase, which we feel, on mature reflection, that 

 we would have preferred to have left unsaid. 



A lady will require to keep a very clear head when 

 the fox breaks covert and the huntsman sounds the well- 

 known "Gone away," which is the signal to start. 

 In a field of three or four hundred horsemen and women 

 all galloping off at once with a whiz like the sound of 

 a flock of startled birds, there must be neither hesita- 

 tion nor recklessness on the part of the young Diana, 

 who should ride with discretion and judgment in order 

 to steer clear of danger, especially at the first fence. 

 There are generally a few left on the wrong side of it, 

 and the chances are that there will not be so great a 

 crowd at the next one. At the start, a judicious use 

 of the curb will doubtless be necessary for keeping an 

 excited hunter under control, and allowing the rider in 

 front plenty of room to jump and get clear away from 

 his fence. When horses have settled down to the 

 required pace, which will be regulated by the hounds 

 and according to scent, a lady should ride on the snafile, 

 keep her hands in a steady fixed position, as low down 

 as comfortable, and should maintain a good look out in 

 front of her, so that she may, after jumping into one 

 field, see the shortest and best way into the next. 

 Jorrocks speaks truly in saying " to 'unt pleasantly two 

 things are necessary — to know your 'oss and know 

 your own mind. . . . Howsomever, if you know 

 your horse and can depend upon him, so as to be sure 



