The Hunting Year 



sarily finds some trouble with his new surround- 

 ings. If he is following a good man, who has 

 been huntsman for many seasons, he will be 

 wise to endeavour to learn what that huntsman's 

 methods of dealing with the country were. And 

 let him follow a good lead ever so carefully, 

 there will be sure to be some little details in 

 which he will act differently from the old hunts- 

 man, and by so doing draw on his devoted head 

 unmerited criticism. 



Huntsmen are generally tactful — it is one of 

 a man's chief qualifications for such an impor- 

 tant post that he should be possessed of tact, 

 and to give huntsmen their due, they are seldom 

 wanting in the very useful characteristic. And 

 if the old huntsman has retired and is still living 

 in the neighbourhood, you will find that the new- 

 comer will become friendly with him and will be 

 glad of any hints he may give him. 



The hunting man — the man who identifies 

 himself with the country and in moments of en- 

 thusiasm talks of " our " hounds and " our " hunts- 

 man — will do well to call on the new huntsman 



as soon as he gets nicely settled ; and if he lives 



1 80 



