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the free service of mares belonging to the farruers of the district 

 those most likely to beget weight-carrying hunters, of course, being 

 selected. Let the gentry pay if they use them, but let the farmers 

 have their service gratis. 



Compensation for the loss of poultry and damage done to crops 

 and fences is, we all know, requisite ; but it is seldom meted out 

 sufficiently nor ^vith the promptitude advisable. Bis dat qui cito dat. 

 The money, too, should be sent to the recipients, instead of requiring 

 them to come for it, at further cost, inconvenience, and loss of time. 

 Of this many Hunts are neglectful. 



Great imposition, however, at times is practised by claimants for 

 compensation, and, no matter what vigilance may be used, equal 

 distribution cannot at all times be made. It has been suggested by 

 experienced authorities upon the subject that if claims were leftmore to 

 the farmers themselves for settlement they would be the more readily 

 adjusted, and at less expense to the Hunt, but on this I offer no opinion. 

 No doubt it would work well among the higher class and best-off, but 

 it might not work so well among the poorer and less fastidious as to 

 the rights of meum and tuum. However, be that as it may, there 

 is no duty of a Hunt so difficult, troublesome, and unpleasant as 

 adjusting " damage claims" ; it should therefore be left to the com- 

 mittee, and not imposed on the Master. 



I think a great deal could be avoided if M.F.H.'s were to have an 

 annual puppy show just before cubhunting. To it should be invited 

 the heads of each family of farmers within the limits of the country 

 hunted over by the pack. The puppies lately in from walk should 

 be judged by competent parties unconnected udth the country, and 

 prizes given for the three best dogs and three best bitches. After 

 the adjudication, all should be invited to a good, substantial dinner 

 presided over by the Master, and supported by some of the leading 

 and most popular members of the Hunt. To it should also be 

 invited the Hunt servants, as well as the gamekeepers and earth- 

 stoppers of the country. In the evening the female members of the 

 farmers' families, with their brothers, should be invited to a dance, 

 winding up with a supper to all. 



No doubt this would cost a considerable sum of money, but 

 I am convinced a good deal of it would be got back by many 

 claims for poultry and damages being either waived altogether 

 or more easily dealt with. Beyond doubt, however, such an enter- 

 tainment annually would popularise the Hunt among the peasantry 

 and farmers in a manner no other means could excel. It has been 

 a habit with several Hunts in England for years, and Mr. Burke 

 has instituted the practice into the Tipperary country. Others, both 

 in Ireland and England, should follow the example. 



Damage done to the fences and property of small farmers should 

 be repaired, as soon and as often as it occurs, by a staff of labourers 

 under a trustworthy overseer employed by the Hunt specially for 



