66 THE SPORT OF KINGS 



should be careful not to leave his post hastily, or 

 he may find that the enterprising cub has taken the 

 opportunity of his absence on a voyage of dis- 

 covery, and made good his escape. If this should 

 be the case the huntsman may say nothing, but he 

 will think a good deal. 



There is another aspect of cub-hunting which is 

 sometimes, especially in the earlier days of the 

 season, apt to be lost sight of. And this is that it 

 is intended to teach the young foxes to go as well 

 as to teach the young hounds to hunt them. For 

 this reason, then, it behoves those in authority to 

 be careful that " holding up " the cubs is not over- 

 done. A fox has a long memory, and after he 

 has been ridden back into covert a few times and 

 escaped, he is apt to rely on " devious courses " 

 instead of speed and pluck to save his life. That 

 there are some foxes spoiled as straight runners is 

 no doubt the fact where cubs are "held up" too 

 much, and for too long in the season. At the 

 same time it requires the greatest discrimination to 

 say when cubs should or should not be "held up." 



Cub-hunting certainly tends to the survival of 

 the fittest as far as foxes are concerned, and if it is 

 judiciously conducted, not only will hounds know 

 their business when the ist of November comes 

 round, but foxes also will be ready to move at the 

 slightest warning that their enemies are in the 

 neighbourhood. 



I know one huntsman who is particularly handy 

 during the cub-hunting season, long experience 

 and keen powers of observation enabling him to 

 tell almost by instinct the right moment at which 

 to let the fox break, and there are many through- 

 out the length and breadth of the land who have 



