2IO The Pytchley Hunt, Past and Present. 



tions left by the foot of the hunted animal^ and exist for 

 a longer period. These odorous particles are subject to 

 the condition of the air^ and ascend or descend according 

 as it is light or heavy^ dry or moist. When arrested 

 a few inches above the soil^ the scent is neither out of 

 the reach of the hound^ nor has he to stoop for it, 

 whereby he ^^ feels" it at the point most favourable to 

 himself, and which is commonly known as ^' breast- 

 high/^ 



Scent also varies by difference of motion. The faster 

 the animal goes the less of it he leaves behind ; and if 

 pursued by a dog not belonging to the pack, the chances 

 are that every particle of it will have disappeared. Fogs 

 are sometimes favourable for a run^ whilst at others they 

 seem to annihilate scent altogether. In like manner 

 white frosts, influenced by some mysterious atmospheric 

 law, on one day improve sport, on the next render it 

 hopeless. A bright sun is usually fatal, but a warm 

 morning without it is often productive of a red-letter 

 day. It is said that scent lies best on the richest soils, 

 and that good pastures are more retentive of effluvia 

 than cold ones. On the other hand, the undrained lands 

 of former days are said to have been in favour of sport ; 

 the lack of it, at the present time, being frequently 

 attributed to the improvements in the science of farming. 

 Be this as it may, it is certain that in some particular 

 spots in every country, hounds cannot push a fox, even 

 though the atmospheric conditions are all that can be 

 desired. 



In the Pytchley country, Harleston Heath may be 

 said to be one of these ill-favoured spots. Be it the 

 peaty soil or the withered 'Spins'' of ^^Pinus'^ and of 



