414 
[Nov. 21, 1898. 
Western Massachusetts annual. 
The ninth annual htint of the Western Massachusetts 
Fox Club opened auspiciously at Weatfield, Wednesday, 
foir despite the showers that fell during the afternoon a 
Vast amount of excellent sport was enjoyed. In fact, it 
was one of the most successful and thrilling hunts ever 
held by the fclub, even though the number of brushes 
secured has perhaps been exceeded. The pelts brought in 
number six. The finest sport of the day was enjoyed in 
the morning, and the hills about Pochassie, when the 
dogs were set loose, resounded all the morning and dur- 
ing a portion of the afternoon with the excited tones of a 
score or more of hounds intent upon runnirig down the 
sly creatures. The morning was quiet and the 
ground was just damp euough to hold well the scent 
of the foxes. The territory hunted over is an ideal one 
and the foxes shifted about all day within a radius of a 
few miles, so that the sport did not become tiresome. As 
soon as one fox was bowled over another would soon be 
started and the "driving" would begin. In some instances 
only one or two hounds would be on the scent, while at 
other times over a dozen would be running together on 
the scent. The noise of a dozan or fifteen hounds in full 
cry after a fox must be heard to be appreciated. It is ex- 
citing and almost terrifying to the novice, for the jumble 
of yelps, snarls, barks, whines and the baying makes 
one almost believe they have gone mad and are engaged 
in a free fight among themselves. A dozen will make 
noise enough to cause the uninitiated to be ready to swear 
there are no less than fifty in the pack. To the old hunter, 
however, the noise is a pleasant one, for he knows that 
there is sport ahead and that with such driving the fox 
cannot be far away. 
The start was made yesterday morning at 6 o'clock after 
bugler Fowler had routed out the hunters by a trip 
through the streets. The grounds were reached at 7 
o'clock, and the teams and 'buses were cared for at the 
hospitable farm house of William Moore, where dinner 
was also served. The blood of the hunters was at the 
boiling point, for on the way to the grounds a fox passed 
only a few rods in front of the first 'bus, and Charles 
Brace, of Lee, and his dog Hilda went in hot pursuit. 
The hunters separated and chose points of advantage both 
in the valley and on the hill tops. Favorite positions near 
what were thought to be "runways" were sought, and 
there aU waited for the dogs to get at work. The animals 
knew well what was going on, and in ten minutes several 
of the sly reynards were on the run. The popping of guns 
began, and if all the reports heard meant a dead fox there 
would have been several score to record. There were 
many disappointed ones who missed fire and then wit- 
nessed some other fellow get the much-desired brush and 
bear his trophy to the headquarters. It is a fact that 
nearly all of the hunters yesterday either had a shot at a 
fox or else saw one or more on the run. 
The first pelt was secured by Harry Stiles, of Westfield, 
at 7:15, but the honor of getting the largest number of 
"brushes" went to out-of-town guests. As usual, Ben 
Babb, of South wick, was on hand and of course got a fox. 
Others who shot them were A. B. F. Kinney, of Worces- 
ter; John M. White, of Millbury; Charles Owen, of 
Granby, Conn.; and Charles S. Davis, of Meriden, Conn. 
One fox was shot at by at least half a dozen persons, and 
it is believed still retains his hide. O. M. Ball, of Worces- 
ter, injured a fox on the mountain, but did not follow it 
up to see if the dogs run it down. In shooting he barely 
missed a cow. However, Logan, the famous Worcester 
hound, followed up the fox and must have killed it, for 
he returned showing the effects of a hard tussle. He was 
well besmeared with blood and marks on his nose showed 
where the fox had once had a good grip. The honnds 
ran splendidly, and of course every man that had a dog 
in the hunt tells with assurance that "several" foxes were 
killed before his dog or dogs. 
Among the hounds in the field were Logan, Buck, Rock, 
Fly and Sprague, of the celebrated Kinney-White pack, 
of Worcester; Burt R. Holcomb's Prince, Betsey, Ben, 
Fancy and Spot; C. H. Bryant's Buck, Ben Babb's Jack, 
Tom Montjoy's Fanny and Sancho, Ned of the Chicopee 
Fox Club; Peter Robinson's Queen and Bingo, of Chico- 
pee Falls; Rock and Rye, Hunter and Trixie, belonging 
to E. L. and W, N. Walling, of Auburndale; W, W. 
Holmes's Tolland and Ranger, of Waterbury, Conn., and 
Charles Brace's Hilda, of Lee. 
The annual banquet was served at 6:30 o'clock in Beet- 
hoven Hall, and about 125 sat down to the repast that 
had been prepared by caterer Tyler. An excellent pro- 
gramme of music was furnished by the theater orchestra. 
Suspended from the chandeliers were three of the foxes 
that had been shot during the day. The toastmaster of 
the occasion was E, W. Dickerman, of Westfield. The 
speaking was the best ever heard at Westfield on a simi- 
lar occasion. Among those who responded to toasts 
were: George W. Roraback, of Westfield; Charles L, 
Holmes, of Waterbury, Conn.; President-elect John 
T. Way, of Westfield; A. B. F. Kinney, Congress- 
man J. H. Walker, O. M. Ball and E. S. Knowles, 
of Worcester; W. H. Jones and J. H. Willey, of 
Boston; H. B. McNulty, of Rochester, N. Y.; Charles 
L, Holmes, president of the Waterbury, Conn., Fox Club; 
M. L. Fuller, of Chicopee Falls; D. F. Allyn, John F. 
Chase and Mark Carpenter, of Holy oke; and F. M. Dillon, 
of Fitchburg; Charles L. Young, of this city; James H. 
Bryan, A. S. Kneil, H. W. Ely, L. F. Thayer and William 
H. Foote, of Westfield; and Charles F. Davis, of Meriden, 
Conn. Mr. Holmes presented Mr. Roraback with a spe- 
cially engraved Waterbury watch; and Mr. Dickerman, 
the toastmaster, was presented with an immense wooden 
gavel, and a vote of thanks was passed for his services as 
presiding oMoer. 
Among the out-of-town guests present were: Leander 
Herrick, G. A. Goddard, Fred Couisar, Arthur Estabrook, 
G. W. Barnes, A. B. F. Kinney, of Worcester; John M. 
White, of Millbury; E. S. and W. N. Walling, of Auburn- 
dale; Charles Thompson, of Chicopee; M, F. Slattery, of 
Lenox; Henry F. Rice, of Sutton; Bradford S. Turpin, of 
Roxbury, secretary of the Brunswick Fox Club, and 
representative of the American Field; Charles S. Davis, 
of Meriden, Conn, ; Judge Huber Clark, of Willimantlc, 
Conn.; W. W. Holmes, of Waterbury, Conn.; Charles 
Owen, of Granby, Conn.; W. H. Perkins, of North Graf- 
ton, and Gurdon Bdl, of this city. 
The bugler did not make his appearance Thursday 
morning and consequently the townspeople were not noti- 
fied of the start in the second day's hunt. Not as many 
ventured out as on Wednesday, but there were enough to 
make things lively and plenty of dogs to rout out the 
foxes. The sport was rather tame in the morning, but in 
the afternoon there was some good driving. The success 
of the last day was small compared with the first, 
for only one brush was secured. This went to A. B. F. 
Kinney, of Worcester, who also got one Wednesday. It 
was reported last night that a second fox had been shot, 
but this could not be verified. Several foxes were shot at, 
but escaped, while one or two went into their burrows for 
safety. The present officers of the club are: President, 
John T. Way; Vice-Presidents: N. A. Harwood, of Ches- 
ter; Thomas Hazelton, of Westfield; Secretary, C. M. 
Goodnow; Treasurer, L. P. Lane. — Springfield Republican, 
Nov. IS and IS. 
POINTS AND FLUSHES. 
The following taken from the Chicago Tribune may be 
of more than passing interest to our readers: A pathetic 
incident occurred on the North Side last Wednesday 
which gave a curious illustration of the friendship ani- 
mals sometimes have for each ether. In the neighbor- 
hood of the corner of Dearborn avenue and Erie street 
two very common-looking little dogs might have been 
seen any day for the last month or two romping and play- 
ing with each other or lying in the sun. Wherever one 
was the other could be found close by. Apparently they 
shared each other's joys, sorrows, bones and everything 
else. Some time on Wednesday morning one of the little 
dogs came to an untimely end. At noon its dead body 
might have been seen lying in the gutter on the east side 
of Dearborn avenue, just north of Erie street. From the 
marks on its head and neck it had doubtless been run 
over by a wagon. The body lay in the street until Thurs- 
day afternoon. During all the time the dog that had been 
its companion never left the spot.' All day long the faith- 
ful little cur sat beside its dead playmate. Occasionally 
it got up to lick ;the dead face, whining pitifully. It 
looked the picture of misery. All the coaxing of the 
people in the vicinity failed to induce the animal to leave 
its dead friend. At midnight it might have been seen 
curled beside his dead companion. In this manner the 
poor little dog remained until about 4 o'clock, when a 
garbage wagon came along and the carcass was thrown 
in. The misery and rage of this faithful little animal 
knew no bounds when it saw its playmate taken away. 
It had to be driven away by force before the body could 
be touched. It followed the wagon for some distance, 
but finally returned to the spot where the body had lain. 
Ever since the faithful little creature has wandered back 
and forth, returning always after a short time to the same 
spot, a very mi8er0,ble, woe-begone looking little cur. 
There was something almost human in the whole episode, 
and nearly every one in the block took a deep interest 
in it. 
Mr. E. Hough, Forest and Stream's Western corre- 
spondent, writes that the beagle trials of the Northwestern 
Beagle Club were declared off, there not being enough 
support to make the trials of sufficient' interest to run 
them. 
Mr. W. H. Ritchie desires that we mention that the 
loving cup offered by him for competition in the forth- 
coming Brooklyn show is not restricted to the competi- 
tion of members of the Metropolitan Kennel Club, but is 
open to aU. 
Communications for this departTnent are requested. Anything on 
the bicycle in its relation to the sportsman is particularly desirable. 
TANDEM NOTES. 
Why is it that tandem cranks are commonly placed so 
that the riders pedal in unison? No doubt it is because it 
looks better to see them keeping step than if their legs 
were in different positions at the same time. But is not 
a material advantage sacrificed to this adherence to con- 
sideration of appearances? With one set of cranks at- 
tached at right angles to the other, the dead point that 
bothers new riders who lack ankle motion and old ones 
on bad hills would disappear, and the actual work of pro- 
pulsion would probably be lessened. On engines with 
more than one set of driving wheels the centers to 
never correspond. 
Which rider should do the steering on a tandem? Fre- 
quently the responsibility rests with the rear rider. One 
reason for this is that when ladies ride they generally oc- 
cupy the front seat, and it is natural that the man should 
look after the safety of both. Where two equally skilled 
riders go out together, however, it would seem as if the 
steering should devolve upon the front one, as he is in 
the best position to judge of the road and has a clearer 
view of wagons and obstacles. We should like to have 
the subject discussed by those who have had practical 
experience. 
A question of interest to tandem riders is the proper 
construction of combination machines. In America we 
are accustomed to place the lady in front, while on the 
continent her position is generally in the rear. Some of 
the more recent models here are constructed on the 
European plan, and it seems that certain riders prefer the 
arrangement. The advantages of the European method 
are that all responsibility for steering, signaling with 
bell and manipulating the brake rests with the man, and 
in case of collision he also takes the brunt of the shock. 
On the other hand, it is a fact that a tandem runs better 
with the heaviest rider in the rear, and this is especially 
noticeable in hill climbing. Under similar conditions, a 
tandem also steers easier, on the same principle that an 
ordinary wheel can best be ridden "hands off" when the 
rider throws his weight as far back as possible. It is an 
advantage also to have the stronger rider of the two be- 
hind, as he seems to be able to apply his force better in 
that position, and as it is human nature for the rear rider 
to do most of the work. Then too this arrangement is 
easier on the machine, as the chains and crank hangers 
are saved the work of transmitting the major part of the 
power- 
But most potent of all reasons in favor of our present 
custom is the fact that the lady likes to ride in front, and 
naturally chooses that position. In summer she gets 
most breeze and least dust there, and she also sees better 
than if the broad shoulders of her friend or lover cut off 
the view. Her shoulders do not interfere with his view, 
and if she wears a suitable hat he has no cause to com- 
plain in this regard, and if a stray lock of her hair once 
in a while floats round behind and brushes his face he 
thinks tandem riding all the better for it. 
It seems good and fitting that the lady should ride in 
front. There she can see and be seen. If she is pretty 
people coming to ward her want to have a look at her, and 
her companion also feels a little easier to have her where 
he can keep his eyes on her than riding in his rear along 
with the flying dust. It is more companionable too to 
ride that way, and you feel, to quote a writer on the sub- 
ject, as if you were "taking her out," whereas if she rode 
on the rear seat you would be merely "letting her go 
along." 
TOURING ON THE CONTINENT. 
At some of the European watering places bicycles are not 
allowed on the roads at the particular hours of the day 
when it is customary to visit the springs. Restrictions, 
especially in Germany, are very rigorous, and the public 
roads are only open to wheelmen under fixed regula- 
tions. 
For the benefit of tourists. United States Consul Saw- 
ter, at Glauchau, cites^ some of the stricter rules which 
wheelmen are called upon to observe throughout the em- 
pire. 
Particularly in Saxony cycling on public streets and 
roads is subject to minute and carefully enforced police 
regulations, and in many cases the use of brakes is obli- 
gatory. 
Every machine must have an open plate or shield affixed 
to the brake rod or handle bar, and be provided with a 
spring lid on which is engraved in clear lettering the 
name, profession or rank, and residence of the rider. 
This rule is mandatory, but for convenience the Consul 
suggests that the rider's card with address be attached to 
the handle bar, which would comply with the law and 
temporarily answer all requirements. 
The alarm bell is of course demanded everywhere. 
The law requires that the lamp be rather highly placed 
on the wheel and be kept lighted from within half an 
hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise. Further- 
more, that the light must shine through uncolored glass. 
The brake attached to the bicycle must conform to a 
certain type, capable of being applied quickly and power- 
fully. Cycling on roads intended exclusively for pedes- 
trians or on the elevated footpaths and highways is strictly 
prohibited. 
Two bicyclers may ride side by side when it can be done 
without blocking the thoroughfare or annoying other rid- 
ers or vehicles; otherwise, single file is the rule. 
More than two machines abreast are not permitted un- 
der any circumstances. When meeting other bicycles or 
overtaking them, or when approaching passages of the 
road where it is not possible to see a long distance, or 
when reaching a steep descent, the cycler is obliged to 
give frequent signals with his bell as a matter of strict 
precaution in avoiding collisions. 
Moderate speed must be maintained at all times. 
Scorching is forbidden on all German highways. At 
very steep down grades the cycler must dismount and 
guide his wheel until the descent is passed beforiB 
remounting. 
Cyclers are also required to dismount at any time if 
called upon by police officials to do so, and are obliged to 
give such officials any information they may demand. 
For disregard of any of these regulations a fine not 
exceeding sixty marks, or $14.28, with imprisonment in 
jail for not more than two weeks, or both, may be inflict- 
ed for each offense. 
Consul Sawter says that the German roads are as a rule 
perfect, and that wheeling is smooth and easy. On ac- 
count of the rainy weather which prevails most of the 
year, however, he advises the use of gear cases. 
Biding under Difficulties. 
New York, Nov. 11. — Editor Forest and Stream: Oa 
the last day of October a forest fire burnt over a large 
part of the Palisade woodlands lying back of Tenafly, N. 
J, Such fires are of common occurrence in this locality 
and do little damage besides killing off the smaller under- 
brush. They start in the carpet of fallen leaves either in 
the late fall or early spring, and, unlike similar fires in 
pine or evergreen forests, do not eat their way into the 
ground and consume the fibrous stratum of decomposed 
vegetable matter. Consequently they do little or no dam- 
age to the trees, and are apparently of more benefit than 
harm, for they kill out the weeds and leave the woods 
clean as a lawn for the time being. 
Recently I tried the experiment of riding through a 
portion of this woodland on my bicycle and foxmd that it 
was possible to do so, though harder than riding across a 
newly mown pasture field. 
At first glance the ground was apparently perfectly 
level, but as an actual fact it was full of hollows and in- 
equalities that made very choppy riding. The smooth 
burnt surface was also very soft and crackled, and gaye 
way as the bicycle passed over. On a down grade things 
went very well, but when there was the slightest rise to 
climb the pedaling was hard. It was necessary to take a 
very circuitous course to avoid the worst inequalities and 
pass around fallen trees or branches. But despite all 
these drawbacks it was surprising how quickly I passed 
through that piece of woodland as compared with previ- 
ous trips on foot. I suppose there was considerable dan- 
ger of punctures from the half -consumed sticks that lay 
in my course, but fortunately I had no trouble from this 
source. 
There are a few squirrels left in these woods, but not 
nearly so many as there should be in view of their abun- 
dance at the close of the first half of the open season, 
Sept. 30. They have been persistently gunned during 
October, which was close season (the second part of the 
open season began Nov. 10), and last Sunday a number of 
men were hunting them in defiance of the statute, which 
forbids shooting on that day, as well as in defiance of the 
game laws. - J. 
The Forest and Strbiam is put to press each week on Tuesday 
Correspondence intended for publication should reach us at the 
latest by Monday, and 04 much earlier oa practicable. 
