Riding to Covert 323 



does, that foxes do not always kennel on the south side or 

 go away up-wind. Sometimes, indeed, it seems as if they 

 knew the general theory of hunting men in this regard and 

 kennelled for the day in a position to upset all their well-laid 

 plans. Position is really something that concerns the hard 

 riders more than it does the genuine hunting men. When 

 you get it right it is considered a great stroke of luck, and 

 when, as is often the case, you don't it is very hard 

 indeed. 



The question of right position is an easier one after the 

 fox has broken. After the first burst of speed, lasting, ac- 

 cording to the condition of the fox, for five or twenty-five 

 or even forty minutes, there is sure to be a check, and then, 

 as we have shown, he turns down-wind. For instance, he 

 goes away east and the wind is south. Then he is almost 

 certain to turn to the north, so as to run down-wind, and 

 if you wish to take advantage of him, your best position 

 will be to the north of his line. For my own part, I pre- 

 fer to take no position in advance of the Master at the 

 covert-side, and to follow the hounds, if I can, regardless 

 of wind. Should they get out of sight or hearing when 

 going east, for instance, the wind being south, I keep to 

 the north country, so as to have a ready view of them if 

 they make a turn that way themselves. For a hunting 

 man this is quite enough manoeuvring. A great many 

 times, too, riding men would be better off if they did not 

 undertake to anticipate the fox. But here we are at the 

 covert-side. 



