HUNTING. 93 



relative would look first to his girths, &c. ; 

 but, should such not be available, do not be 

 above doing it yourself. Servants, even the 

 best, are, as aforesaid, often careless, and a 

 horse may be sent out with girths too loose, 

 throat-lash too tight, runners out, or any of 

 the thousand and one little deficiencies which 

 an interested and careful eye will at once 

 detect. 



Of course you have not come to hunt without 

 having secured a good pilot. You have, I 

 hope, selected somebody who rides well and 

 straight — boldly, and yet with judgment — for, 

 beheve me, a display of silly recklessness does 

 not constitute good riding, however it may be 

 thought to do so by ignorant or silly persons. 

 Your pilot will ride a few yards in advance of 

 you, and it will be your duty to keep him well 

 in view, and not to get separated from him. 

 This latter you may at times find difficult, as 

 others may ride in between, but you must 

 learn smartness, and be prepared for all 

 emergencies. Moreover, if your pilot be a 

 good one, he will see that you keep close to 

 him, and, by glancing over his shoulder after 



