THE BOOK OF THE OTTER 



knees and thorns do not associate well together, 

 while breeches of the semi-riding type are too 

 tight-fitting, and retain water. Boots or shoes 

 should be well nailed to prevent slipping, 

 preferably with soft, wrought-iron hobs, which get 

 a better grip on rocks than steel nails. An iron- 

 shod pole of ash or hazel — the latter is light yet 

 strong — is necessary for crossing deep or swift 

 water, and in some districts as an aid to jumping 

 wide ditches and open drains. A pole shod with 

 a double-pronged spike is less liable to slip than 

 one armed with a single spike. Likewise a pole 

 cut from the growing tree or sapling looks more 

 workmanlike than a " made " one, ornamented with 

 a fancy metal head or other embellishment. With 

 regard to the whip, for use by Hunt officials, one 

 with a short lash is to be preferred, for it can be 

 far more easily cracked when the user is standing 

 in water than a long-lashed affair. 



The huntsman who cannot blow an ordinary 

 horn without unnecessary discords will be well 



advised to secure a reed-horn. Every call can be 



no 



