HUNTING DIRECTORY. 181 



The Subject of Blood considered. 



" Fox-hunting is manly and fine exercise, aftbrding 

 health to the body, and food for a contemplative mind ; 

 in no situation are the faculties of man more displayed. 

 Fortitude, good sense, and collectiveness of mind, have 

 a wide field for exercise ; and a sensible sportsman would 

 be a respectable character in any situation of life. 



" The field is a most agreeable coffee-house, and there 

 is more real society to be met with there than in any 

 other situation of life : it links all classes together, from 

 the peer to the peasant — it is the Englishman's pecuhar 

 privilege — it is not to be found in any other part of the 

 globe, but in England's true land of liberty — and may it 

 flourish to the end of time ! " 



But to return — I have already stated that an opinion 

 is generally entertained that blood is indispensable to a 

 pack of fox hounds. — If we reason by analogy on the 

 subject, we shall find that the stag hound is seldom al- 

 lowed to taste blood, and yet he continues to pursue the 

 chase with the utmost ardour ; the same remark will in 

 some degree apply to the harrier, though not to the same 

 extent ; the greyhound pursues the hare with headlong 

 impetuosity, though he is never allowed to share the 

 prize when he has obtained it ; but, if we extend this 

 reasoning to the pointer, the setter, and the spaniel, we 

 shall find that they are cautiously prevented from ever 

 tasting blood — they are taught indeed never to expect 

 it, and yet this certainly has not the effect of slackening 

 their mettle, or rendei'ing them less eager in the pursuit. 

 Even amongst fox hounds there are individuals to be 

 foimd not inclined to devour the fox ; and I have seen 

 excellent fox hounds, which, though tliey ran tlie fox in 



