Evening star., 1934-11-04


the biggest places could find in the
Grafton country, and believe me, found
some that made my hair stand on end
and caused me to thank my stars that
was not on a horse trying to Jump
them!
South Of the Grafton we have the
Bicester and Whaddon Chase-the for
mer comparatively easy country, the
latter riding very deep in wet weather
and wanting the best horses. One fea-
ture of this country Is the double"
which consists of two fences yard or
two apart, generally on slight bank and
almost too close together to "in and out"
unless you are on very clever hunter.
All these countries are more or less
grass countries, and including the War
wickShire, to the west Of the Bicester and
Grafton, make the best of Englands
hunting countries. However, only the
first few that have mentioned are what
are known as the "Shires"
The Heythrop, south of the Bicester,
has many stone walls. The Blackmore
Vale, in the south of England, has many
banks with fences on the top, like an
Irish bank.
MANY people come out hunting. but
comparatively few realize the extra
enjoyment that Is gained by moving
something of the science of fox hunting,
something of what huntsmen and
hounds are doing. Let me enumerate
a few of the things that novice may
and may not do, and describe what may
happen in an ordinary day with hounds.
Opening meets in England take place
on November /, or the first advertised
hunting day afterward, but before the
beginning Of the season every pack has
two or more months Of cub-hunting.
The reason for cub b-hunting is to teach
the young hounds to hunt, catch and
kill foxes, and the cubs to know that
the sooner they leave the woods and
take to the open, once they hear the
cry Of the pack, the safer it win be for
them. Never forget, or let your stud
groom fail to understand clearly, that
cub-hunting is not held to school young
horses. Until well into October the field
are not expected to Jump more places
than necessary. When in the open at
this time, they should follow a line Of
gates rs much as possible.
Cub-hunting is always an undress af-
fair, the silk hat, white breeches and
top boots not appearing until the OPEN
ing meet. Clubbing" as it is often
called, sometimes starts at am; fox
hunting never before II O'Clock. Cub
hunfip0 f3vf,,roc oro ,,c,,o1ly v,oki6od 70
subscribers only. Fox-hunting meets
can always be seen advertised each week
In the sporting press. There is no cap
for cub-hunting, but one is always taken
from non-subscribers at a foxhound
meet.
As soon as the regular season starts
In November, a, visitor should always
come out correctly dressed. The right
costume Is silk hat, scarlet, black or
with polo spurs, white stock and hunt
ing whip which should always have q
lash. It Is polite to raise your hat to
the master if he catches your eye at
the meet, even if you have never met
before. If you are stranger, look for
the secretary and pay your cap" be-
fore the first covert is drawn.
At the meet your horses head should
always be toward hounds If you are
near them, particularly If they pass you
on the road when moving OF to draw.
This IS the first unwritten law to re-
member. One hound is more valuable
to the master than your 500-guinea
hunter, and for your horse to kick a
hound Is an unforgivable sin.
Listen and you will hear when the