178 THE SPORT OF KINGS 



consists of big woodlands, by all means contrive 

 to time your visit so that you may see hounds at 

 work in the woods. It by no means implies that 

 the woods will never be left all day. For hounds 

 that are used to the work very frequently drive 

 woodland foxes out into the open when there is a 

 scent, and at times they are not long about doing 

 it. So when hunting with a good pack of hounds 

 in a woodland country it is necessary to keep a 

 sharp look-out, and advisable to select a native of 

 the country as a pilot. 



The few days a man gets with strange packs 

 make him all the keener to hunt with his own, 

 and add to his season's enjoyment in no small 

 degree. The visit also tends to rub the rust off, 

 a little of which will accumulate at times, and to 

 promote the amenities which should exist between 

 brother sportsmen. That it does the latter 

 thoroughly the following incident illustrates. 

 I was hunting in a strange country when the 

 Master, with whom I was acquainted, said, " If 

 hounds should find here, don't go down the far 

 side of the covert, as you will find yourself 

 pounded," a courtesy which was highly appreciated, 

 and which made us firm friends at once. 



