526 BIG GAME OF NORTH AMERICA. 



we may safely conclude that some Red Foxes are colored 

 much, like Gray Foxes, and that some Gray Foxes are col- 

 ored much like Red Foxes; but if we go further, and con- 

 clude that in all other respects the two sorts are one sort, 

 we fall headlong into an error as groundless as absurd — an 

 error which a pack of hounds will soon demonstrate, and at 

 which anyone in the least degree experienced as a Fox- 

 hunter will laugh. 



In this place, it is proposed to offer a few thoughts and 

 suggestions as to the true position of Fox-hunting among 

 the manly and athletic sports of the field. The proposition 

 is boldly advanced that no other riding-school in the world 

 can compare with the hunting-field in the production of 

 the highest type of horseback-riding — bringing into full 

 play, as it does, all the nerve, strength, skill, and judgment 

 of the rider. Often, in a moment, some great difficulty 

 presents itself, immediately in front of him, to surmount 

 which requires a great feat of horsemanship. It must be 

 surmounted, or he will simply be left. Is it a thing simply 

 not to be gotten over? Then, being in nowise a fool, the 

 great horseman will draw rein, and see how best to get 

 around it, even though that implies not even being within 

 hearing at the kill. Is it a vigorous difficulty, surmount- 

 able by good horsemanship, or only by great horsemanship? 

 Then the bold horseman summons all his own faculties, 

 rouses all the resources of his steed, and goes over it in 

 grand style, as if he had never recognized jts presence. 

 Courage, good sense, decision, presence of mind — these are 

 the qualities brought out by this grand sport. Such 

 qualities must be possessed by the horse no less than by 

 his rider; otherwise the greatest horseman will be paralyzed 

 in the presence of such a difficulty, if mounted on a duffer, 

 or a lunk-headed fool and coward of a horse. 



Now, a second proposition is boldly advanced. The first 

 place, therefore, among all manly sports of the field, must 

 be awarded to riding to hounds. We advance immediately 

 to a third and final proposition, viz. : The manliest of manly 

 sports should be the recognized national sport of the 



