ii8 



A RUN 



Whether a day can properly be described as fine de- 

 pends upon the purpose which the speaker has in view; 

 A fine morning for everything but fox-hunting is a 

 phrase sometimes heard, and imphes a clear blue sky, 

 a warm air, and other attributes suitable for the purpose 

 of a picnic, but very unsuitable for the chase. Spring 

 has its welcome for many. 



Yerque novum stabat, cinctum florente corona. 



But the ardent sportsman looks coldly on its beauties. 

 When, therefore, it is said that the day is fine, it must 

 be understood that it appears to be fine for the pursuit 

 of the fox. Last night's rain has filled the ditches and 

 left puddles in the road, and though the downpour ceased 

 with dawn, clouds hang loweringly ; but a faint peep of 

 bluish sky is discernible, and suggests that there is no 

 occasion for mackintoshes. It looks a likely morning 

 for scent ; but those who hunt most know best that 

 the mysteries of scent are not to be fathomed. Often 

 when the prospect of sport seems hopeless days are best ; 

 hounds run hard over dusty fallows, and are at fault in 

 the dewy pastures, when the southerly wind and the 

 cloudy sky, together with other traditional signs, are 

 all propitious. What is scent ? may be asked after 

 hundred of years of sport. Does the fox leave it on the 



