THE M.F.H. 5 



to so many victories. But these eulogists take no 

 account of long mornings on the flags when, seated 

 with dangling legs on his chair, and armed with a 

 miniature hunting-crop, the hounds were introduced to 

 him, and he was taught to appreciate their points ; with 

 a success now to be traced in the brilliant pack which 

 represent their handsome and accomplished parents. 



The late Lord Fitzhardinge cared nothing for the looks 

 of his hounds if they could hunt, and complained that 

 "huntsmen forget to breed hounds for their noses," 

 declaring that he only wanted " a pack that would kill 

 foxes." But the aesthetic side of the question was never 

 lost sight of in the Wiltshire kennels, and while not 

 forgetting to breed hounds for their noses, the authorities 

 have taken care that external good qualities were not 

 overlooked. 



Time passed on. The bright little pony had been 

 exchanged for a cob, and the cob in turn for a horse — 

 you may see his picture there over the fireplace in the 

 billiard-room — and by degrees careful observation had 

 taught the diligent student how to handle hounds, the 

 best way to aid them in difficulties, together with the 

 no less important lesson when to leave them alone to 

 help themselves by their own intelligence. It will 

 be generally conceded that the ideal M.F.H. should 

 thoroughly know his hounds and be able to hunt them 

 on an emergency ; for we have all heard what happened 

 in the Handley Cross Hunt when the committee of 

 management which preceded Mr. Jorrocks had dis- 



