320 SYSTEM OF KENNEL AND 



wood whilst the master is tearing himself into tatters 

 within it. 



We have no wish to divest foxhunting of that 

 spirit and energy which form its chief characteristics, 

 in opposition to other hunting; but we have endea- 

 voured to show by the conduct of Will Headman 

 that there are occasions when it is well to " let well 

 alone." So long as hounds continue to do their 

 work well by themselves, any interference with them 

 cannot fail to be prejudicial to sport. The eternal 

 "toot toot" of the horn, and perpetual cry of 

 " Forward, forward ! " when hounds are on good 

 terms with their fox, is sure to produce mischief; 

 what must they occasion then on bad scenting days ? 

 What is the use of hounds if huntsmen are resolved 

 to do their work for them ? The great secret of 

 foxhunting is to know when to let hounds alone. 

 Hallooing and screeching a fox too soon when first 

 found is pretty sure to spoil your run, and the 

 same thing repeated when lie is sinking is generally 

 productive of spoiling a good finish. 



In the January number of "Baily," 1861, appeared 

 a paper entitled " A New Year's Gift One Word 

 more on Foxhunting;" and although without any 

 signature attached thereto, we have no hesitation in 

 ascribing this excellent article to the author of 

 "The Noble Science," whose opinions as a prac- 

 tical master also are deserving every considera- 

 tion : 



"Let us not be mistaken. We deny not the 

 needful energy, the brilliant cast, the firm and 

 resolute effort to retrieve a check bv what our 



