The Revs. Legard, Milne, M.F.H., and Morris 33 



There would not be half the sympathy with hunting that now 

 exists but for a certain amount of pomp and ceremony, the 

 observing of outward and visible signs. 



Gaudy garments are not often worn by parsons, but they can 

 be properly turned out all the same. A certain amount of a 

 man's character can be read by observing the details of his 

 toilet, and how his things are put on. No man with a well- 

 balanced methodical mind can put his clothes on higgledy- 

 piggledy, as though with a pitchfork ; it would be painful to 

 his feelings and dignity, even if nobody was going to see him 

 except the robin on the window-sill and the snowdrops in the 

 garden. The man who appears in a crump led-up stock, looking 

 as if he had slept in it for some time, drooping degage-looking 

 spurs, and who swears it is all the same to him which side of his 

 horse he mounts from, may be a great genius of sorts and living 

 in the clouds — under which circumstances it would be almost 

 better if he stayed there, for he will not reflect credit on any 

 pack he hunts with. 



Such curious animals are we human beings, so influenced by 

 our surroundings, that when a few of these floppity, untidy 

 sportsmen are around us we gradually feel our own backbone 

 giving way, and say to ourselves it will be all the same a hundred 

 years hence, which of course is all wrong — it won't be all the 

 same a hundred years hence. And that is why I think hunting 

 parsons have such a good influence on the field ; example does 

 so much ; if we are with well-groomed people we like to be 

 well-groomed too, and feel a certain dignity and self-respect in 

 consequence. 



Particularly have I noticed how a parson's presence will keep 

 the field free from swearing and disgusting language. I know 

 of no greater example of this than on the Dorsetshire hill- 

 country, presided over by that deservedly popular Master, the 

 Rev. E. A. Milne, M.F.H., who holds his large and sometimes 

 headstrong field in such perfect order. I have often marvelled 

 at the extraordinary way in which this reverend gentleman 

 keeps order without resort to those senseless vulgar oaths so 

 many Masters consider necessary. Instead of these he delivers 

 little homilies on the duties of a field while hounds are at work, 

 with more excellent results than indulgence in invective. 



I have come to the conclusion, after years of hunting ex- 



D 



