298 THE SOUTH DEVON HUNT 



He joined the Wilts Yeomanry and is now expecting 

 very shortly to be sent abroad on active service. 



The question then arose as to the fate of the pack 

 and the future of the nevrly formed hunt. After 

 careful deliberation, it was decided to keep on the 

 hounds, and Mrs. Brimskill undertook, not only to 

 perform the duties of master, but also to hunt the 

 pack herself. Those who know Mrs. Brunskill and 

 who have noted her knowledge of the sport will not 

 be surprised to learn that she is acquitting herself 

 remarkably well. Such an undertaking is a serious 

 one. The work of a huntsman, in the field alone, is 

 very hard. The many moments of relaxation enjoyed 

 by the irresponsible members of the field are denied 

 to a huntsman. His body is at work most of the day 

 and his mind all of it, and few things are more 

 fatiguing than the combined exhaustion of body and 

 brain. One or two lady-masters hunt their own 

 harriers, but I know of none other who has tried 

 her hand with foxhounds. Mrs. Brunskill is admir- 

 ably supported by the farmers and by the field, and 

 all are anxious to help her in every way possible. It 

 is to be hoped that her spirited action will result in 

 keeping the hunt together until such time as her 

 husband is free to return home. 



Such is the story of the South Devon Hunt. To 

 some, the story and, indeed, the very thought of 

 hunting will seem a mockery amid the appalling 

 happenings of these times. Others, more thoughtful, 

 will see in those very happenings the realization of 

 the claims long put forward in defence of the sport 

 and the greatest justification for its continuance. 

 They recognize that there is no school like the 

 hunting-field for training up a vigorous manhood. In 



