tHOUGHTS UPON HUNTING, 21^ 



LETTER XVIL 



FOX-HUNTING, an acquaintance of mine says, is 

 Only to be followed because you can ride hard, and do less 

 harm in that than in any other kind of hunting. There 

 riiay be some truth in the observation ; but, to such as 

 love the riding part only of hunting, would not a trail- 

 scent be 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, fulfil 

 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 interest- 

 ing, and frequently have the satisfadion to think, that 

 they themselves contribute to the success of the day*. 

 This is a pleasure that you often enjoy ; a pleasure without 

 any regret attending it. I know not what effed it may 

 have on you ; but I know that my spirits are always good 



* 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 thcxo ; when by so doing they may hear a halloo, or view the fox. 



