io8 POSITION OF WHIPPER-IN 



of the huntsman (provided the two are on speaking terms, 

 which is not invariably the case), and have a Httle quiet 

 chat on the probable events of the day, which most 

 likely, from the diversity of their occupations, they have 

 had no previous opportunity of discussing. 



In many estabUshments the first whipper-in during 

 the hunting season is seldom seen in the kennel, having 

 other business to claim his attention ; and it happens 

 not rarely that huntsmen are jealous of the whipper-in 

 meddling with their domestic arrangements, which can 

 be conducted more pleasantly between the feeder and 

 themselves ; in fact, Mr. Huntsman deems it politic to 

 keep Jack as much in the dark as possible touching kennel 

 affairs, lest on the first fitting opportunity the said Jack 

 should sHp too glibly into his shoes. Jack has probably 

 once or twice (very likely much oftener) slipped away 

 with the hounds, and had a run to himself with a few 

 select friends, who begin, perhaps, to talk of Jack being 

 quite equal to play first fiddle ; which is productive of 

 great coolness, if not the cut direct, between these indi- 

 viduals, and Jack in consequence becomes a suspected 

 and dangerous person. It is quite necessary, however, 

 that the first whipper-in should be able to handle the 

 pack upon emergencies, when the huntsman may be ill, 

 or disabled by a fall ; and the fact of his being competent 

 to do so has also a beneficial effect upon his superior in 

 office, and prevents his entertaining too high an opinion 

 of himself. 



When drawing covert, the place of the first whipper-in 

 may be almost anywhere his genius may direct him, 

 except with the hoimds, although he must not be very 

 far from them, and ready at a moment's notice to lend 

 assistance when required. In small places, gorse or 



