RIDING RECOLLECTIONS 



to effect this economy of speed and distance, It is 

 indispensable to watch their doings narrowly, and 

 to possess the experience that tells one when they 

 are really on the line, and when only flinging 

 forward to regain, with the dash that is a fox- 

 hound's chief characteristic, the scent they have 

 overrun. Constant observation will alone teach 

 us to distinguish the hounds that are right ; and 

 to turn with them judiciously is the great secret 

 of "getting to the end." 



We must, therefore, be within convenient 

 distance, and to ensure such proximity it is most 

 desirable to get a good start. Let us begin at 

 the beginning, and consider how this primary 

 essential is to be obtained. 



Directly a move is made from the place of 

 meeting, it is well to cut short all "coffee-house" 

 conversation, even at the risk of neglecting certain 

 social amenities, and to fix our minds at once on 

 the work in hand. A good story, though pleasant 

 enough in its way, cannot compare with a good 

 run, and it is quite possible to lose the one by too 

 earnest attention to the other. 



A few courteous words previously addressed to 

 the huntsman will ensure his civility during the 

 day ; but this is not a happy moment for impart- 

 ing to him your opinion on things in general and 

 his own business in particular. He has many 

 matters to occupy his thoughts, and does not care 



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