OTTER-HUNTING 



on when there is reallv no need for it, so a 

 reasonable walking pace should be aimed at. 



When hounds have put their otter down, or " hit 

 him abroad," to use an old expression, and are 

 swimming him, the huntsman should keep on the 

 shallow side of the river, more particularly if the 

 farther bank is thickly overgrown with willows or 

 other cover. From the shallow side he has a clear 

 view of what his hounds are doing, and if it is 

 necessary to pole the farther bank if an otter 

 persists in hanging there, he should ask one of 

 his whippers-in, or some experienced member of 

 the field to do it for him. 



With regard to clothing and etceteras for 



otter-hunting, little need be said here. Hunt 



uniforms are usually made of woollen serge 



material, which dries quickly, and withstands a lot 



of rough usage. Shorts are sometimes worn, but 



in our experience loose knickerbockers are much 



preferable, particularly for hunt officials who may 



have to force their way through briers or other 



undergrowth in the execution of their duty. Bare 



109 



