4 THE INFLUENCE OF 



here or there ? There is no time for thought, 

 prompt and decided action alone succeeds. Or 

 else the loss of shoe or an unexpected fall has 

 thrown you out, and you must decide quickly in 

 which direction you think the hounds are most 

 likely to have run. Experience, of course, tells 

 considerably here as everywhere ; but quick de- 

 cision and promptitude in adopting the course 

 decided on will be the surest means of attaining 

 the wished for result of finding yourself again in 

 company with the hounds. 



Further, fox-hunting teaclies immensely self- 

 dependence ; every one is far too much occupied 

 with his own ideas and his own difficulties to be 

 able to give more than the most momentary atten- 

 tion to those of his neighbour. If you seek advice 

 or aid you will not get much from the really zealous 

 sportsman ; you must trust to yourself, you must 

 depend on your own resources. " Go on, sir, or 

 else let me come," is the sort of encouragement 

 which you are likely to get, if in doubt whether 

 a fence is practicable or a turn correct. 



Thirdly, fox-hunting necessitates a combination 

 of judgment and courage removed from timidity 

 on the one side and foolhardiness on the other. 

 The man who takes his horse continually over big 

 places, for the sake of doing that in which he hopes 

 no one else will successfully imitate him, is sure 



