duke or any man greatly established as a Nimrod in the hunting
world, generally comes out in
a black coat and a hat, so that he may not be specially
conspicuous in his deviations from the line of the running. He
began his hunting probably in search of exercise, but has
gradually come to add a peculiar amusement to that pursuit; and
of a certain phase of hunting he at last learns more than most of
those who ride closest to the hounds. He becomes wonderfully
skillful in surmising the line which a fox may probably take, and
in keeping himself upon roads parallel to the ruck of the
horsemen. He is studious of the wind, and knows to a point of the
compass whence it is blowing. He is intimately conversant with
every covert in the country; and, beyond this, is acquainted with
every earth in which foxes have had their nurseries, or are
likely to locate them. He remembers the drains on the different
farms in which the hunted animal may possible take refuge, and
has a memory even for rabbit-holes. His eye becomes accustomed to
distinguish the form of a moving horseman over half-a-dozen
fields; and let him see but a cap of any leading man, and he will
know which way to turn himself. His knowledge of the country is
correct to a marvel. While the man who rides straight is
altogether ignorant of his whereabouts, and will not even
distinguish the woods through which he has ridden scores of
times, the man who rides and never jumps always knows where he is
with the utmost accuracy. Where parish is divided from parish and
farm from farm, has been a study to him; and he has learned the
purpose and bearing of every lane. He is never thrown out, and
knows the nearest way from every point to point. If there be a
line of gates across from one road to another he will use them,
but he will commit himself to a line of gates on the land of no