104 A HUNTSMAN'S LIFE 



not from choice, but from necessity. No man, however, 

 will attain the perfection of the art or science of fox- 

 hunting, who has not natural talent and inclination 

 towards it, with a thorough knowledge of the habits of 

 the animal he is pursuing, joined with those essentials, 

 patience and perseverance. Good temper is also of 

 essential service to a huntsman, although some of our 

 most brilliant performers in the field have lacked sadly 

 that most useful commodity, and lose their heads entirely 

 when giving way to passion. Excitement and irritability 

 are, however, almost allowable sometimes, when contra- 

 ventions occur at critical moments, vexatious enough 

 to try the patience of Job ; and I am inclined to think 

 that the exhibition of a little temper in the huntsmen 

 on these occasions has a beneficial effect on the field, 

 and conduces to keep up his authority. The man who 

 is entrusted with the management of a pack of fox- 

 hounds holds a very responsible situation ; and as all 

 our sport depends upon his exertions, he is, if fit to hold 

 this position, entitled to respect. Aut Ccesar aut nullus 

 ought to be his motto, which should exempt him from 

 interference from any quarter, even the Master's, whilst 

 hunting the hounds ; and as he will have to bear all the 

 blame when things go wrong, let him have also all the 

 credit when things go well. 



To avail ourselves of a huntsman's capabilities, and to 

 do him justice, he must be a free agent in the field, with 

 regard to finding and killing or losing his fox. The 

 Master may direct him where to draw, and even on this 

 point he ought to be consulted ; but when the fox is 

 found, all interference should cease. I dislike even to 

 see a horn attached to the master's saddle (particularly 

 if a young man), which is often productive but of one 



