FOX-HUNTING RESUMED. 203 



LETTER XVII. 



Fox-hunting, an acquaintance of mine says, 

 is only followed because you can ride hard, and 

 do less harm in that than in any other hunting. 

 There may be some truth in the observation ; 

 but to such as love the riding part only of 

 hunting, would not a trail scent be much more 

 suitable? Gentlemen who hunt for the sake of 

 a ride, who are indifferent about the hounds, 

 and know little of the business, if they do no 

 harm it is to the full as much as we have 

 reason to expect from them ; whilst those of a 

 contrary description do good, and have much 

 greater pleasure. Such as are acquainted with 

 the hounds, and can at times assist them, find 

 the sport more interesting, and frequently have 

 the satisfaction to think that they themselves 

 contribute to the success of the day.* This is 

 a pleasure you often enjoy ; a pleasure without 



• It is not by a foolish attempt to hunt the hounds that 

 gentlemen can be of service. It is not by riding close upon 

 them, but by keeping wide of them ; when by so doing they 

 may hear a halloo, or view the fox. 



