The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1880-12-29
FOX.
a Fa7orite Old-Time Southern Sport
"reminiscences Of the Chase.
[The American

AIhC hI1L44G6IAI
4 fraction less than three decades since,
foxes were numerous, and found q safe re-
treat in the woody dells of the interminable
and trackless pine forests having their begin
ming in Delaware and stretching away over
into the %neighboring State of Maryland.
And when the current of progressive civiliza-
ton was diverted in the direction of South
crn Delaware, and that portion OF territory
then touching and now embracing the east
ern shore OF Maryland, populated by the
continuous tide Of immigration, fox-hunting
was a favorite pastime with the people-in-
deed, the ~yotaries OF the chase were in the
zenith Of their sporting glory. The fleet
hounds were kept constantly on the scent;
inspiriting notes Of the bugle,3 as they re-
echoed through the forest, furnished daily
sweet music to the ears, and in q measure re-
lieved the monOtoDy Of the quiet life. Of the
isolated settler.
With the exception, perhaps, Of Pennsyl-
vania, foy-hunting north Of Mason and Dix
on's line, owing more TO the density Of popu-
lation and the difficulty Of obtaining q ''clear
run over an un0bstructed country than TO
the dangers and hazardous risks attending
the chase, had but few admirers. 1t is en-
phatically q Southern amuse ment, and one
that is universally popular and thoroughly
appreciated by young and old. 1t is exciting
and invigorating, and there is a fascination
surrounding it which inspires enthusiasm,
courage and intrepidity.
t is told that the huntsmen Of the two
States-DelaWare and Maryland-by previous
arrangement, would congregate at the planta-
ton Of one Of their number, equipped and
amply prepared to devote the day to a grand
chase. 70 heighten the pleasure and give
tone TO the occasion, ladies were permitted to
Join IN the chase, and some Of the fair Di-
anas acquired Il proficiency in the manage
ment Of the horse, and displayed an ease and
grace in riding that pat 70 blush the male
riders, as they courageously urged their
horses forward over fences and through dan
gerous and sinuous windings in the forests,
not one ever going to grass"
The fox was at that day hunted from his
kennel-riders, horses and hounds penetra-
ting by intricate roads and difficult by-paths
into The very heart of the forest, where the
advance guard, y usually consisting Of two
colored men, would summary eject the
crafty animal from his domicile and start
him On q rum for his life. Once without the
circumscribed limits Of his kennel, having es-
capped the confines Of the forest to the broad.
open country, with the baying hounds in
pursuit, hanked by the galloping horses and
enthusiastic riders, Reynard makes q most
desperate effort to keep the advance.
1t is at this moment that the beauty and
oped.
Nature has dressed the whole landscape in
picturesque garments. The scene suggests
winter. The trees are denuded, the earth is
mantled with a light snow, which q red SUMS
rays causes to blush with that pretty rose
color only seen in its perfection among the
alps. The keen wind instills energy and Wig
or into the huntsmen as they sit lightly in
their saddles, The fox is swiftly but silently
fleeing before the persistent, bsying hounds,
MA dAACSSioA u tAG pIHcs- SlOsGly upon
the heels OF the dogs come galloping horses,
The noble animals instinctiyely obeying
every expression of their riders reins and
straiuing every muscle, as they dash ever the
crusted snow. The goal is almost reached;
nearer and nearer approach the hounds; the
fox seems to gather new energy as he scents
death, and his speed momentarily increases.
The hounds outdistance him, and presently,
just az he Is about to enter the gloomy re-
cesses Of the pines, by an extraordinary ef-
fort one Of the hounds bound upon him. and
q few conyulsive struggles he euccumbs.
A long blast from the bugle breaks upon the
air, and q chorus Of answering shouts from
the huntsmen eehoing over the fields, an
nounces the victory. 1t is under the inspira-
ton Of such d scene as this that the specta-
tor becomes g. participant in the enthusiasm,
and joins in tbs vigorous huzzas as the cul-
m~lnating point is reached and the fox lies
helpless and lifeiess at his feet.
After the exciting scenes Of the days
sport the hunters invariably adjourned to the
spacious room set apart for their reception
pF the hosOifabla host A rraat-hearfed Il