286 Cross Country with Horse and Hound 



about giving your horse his head at his jumps that I need 

 only remind you here that it is the highest accomplishment 

 in the art of cross-country riding to have so perfect a seat 

 that you can give your horse freedom of his head at his 

 jumps. Don't be discouraged. Keep at it, and ever at it, 

 until you succeed. No man can ever hope to become thor- 

 oughly proficient in cross-country riding until he can ride a 

 horse over jumps entirely independent of the bridle-reins. 

 If you forget everything else this book contains, remember 

 this. 



Don't forget to bring your best manners with you into 

 the hunting-field. No matter what your station in life 

 may be, when you are playing the game put yourself on a 

 level with the humblest member. Among sportsmen play 

 a sportsman's game. Snobbishness in the hunting-field is 

 disgusting. 



Don't neglect to say a kind word to the farmers. Take 

 off your hat to any man in the game who shows a better 

 seat, better hands, or better horsemanship than your own. 

 You need not be surprised to find such a man riding in a 

 rusty coat, a sportsman indeed, and your superior at the 

 game. If you are a true sportsman too, you will be the 

 first to acknowledge his superiority. Let not the novice 

 follow the snob's too common example in the hunting- 

 field. After once visiting a neighbouring hunt club he 

 should desire to be thoroughly welcomed by every member 

 when he comes again. 



Don't be seen pulling at your flask : it causes uncompli- 

 mentary remarks, especially if you get a fall afterward. 



Don't offer it to a brother sportsman ; it may mean a 



