FOX-HUNTING. 5' 



science may operate in furtherance of the modern taste 

 for that most popular of British rural sports. 



In drawing for your fox, the size and nature of the 

 cover, and the state of the weather, must be principally 

 your guides. With small patches of gorse, the only 

 general rule to be observed is, to suit the strength 

 thrown in to the space to be drawn . A large body of 

 hounds, in a small cover, will chop more foxes than they 

 will unkennel. In one of moderate extent, with calm 

 weather, draw up wind, that he may not hear you too 

 soon ; in a storm, cross upon the wind, lest you come 

 upon him before he is aware that hounds are near him. 

 The hour of trial for a huntsman is that with which the 

 business of the day commences. When you throw your 

 hounds in, cheer them as if your heart was in your 

 voice. Let all you do be done with animation. Cheer 

 them as they draw ; it gives life to yourself, to them, 

 to your field; remember spirit is the very essence of 

 fox-hunting. Never lend yourself to assist hounds in 

 chopping a fox ; do not be deceived about the necessity 

 for blood recollect stag-hounds do not want for dash, 

 and they rarely taste it. Should a fox by accident be 

 chopped, if the cover be small, do not let them eat him in 

 it ; nothing is so likely to cause its being abandoned for 

 the future. 



When your fox breaks, do not suffer him to be 

 tally'd till well clear of the cover, as it may head him 

 back into the mouths of the pack. Once fairly away, 

 get the body of hounds upon him if you can ; but do not 





