,transcrib] ,note ,text emphasis is d5ot$ z ,italics4 ,,! ,,book ,,( ,,! ,,ott] ,illu/ration3 ,ott] ,bask+ 9 ,%all[ ,wat]4 7,copyright by ,alfr$ ,taylor1 ,:alley74 ,frontispiece4 ,,! ,,book ,,( ,,! ,,ott] ,a ,,manual ,,= ,,sportsm5 ,,& ,,naturali/s ,,by ,,ri*>d ,,clapham ,,au?or ,,( ,,fox-,,hunt+ ,,on ,,! ,,lakel& ,,fells1 ,,r\gh ,,%oot+1 ,,etc4 ,) ,illu/rations f ,photographs by ! ,au?or ,f4 ,lees & ,alfr$ ,taylor ,,& ,,an ,,introduction ,,by ,,william ,,?ompson1 ,m4,o4,h4 ,illu/ration ,,hea? ,,cranton1 ,,limit$ #f ,,fleet ,,lane1 ,,london1 ,e4,c4#d4 ,,preface ,9 ^! days ott]-hunt+ is a popul> sport1 & 9 consequ5ce !re are n[ _m m packs ( ott]h\nds ?an 0 =m]ly ! case4 ,( all bea/s ( *ase 9 ?is c\ntry1 ! ott] is ! "o ab\t :i* we "k lea/1 = he is a great w&]]1 a creature ( ! night1 & !re=e difficult to /udy sy/ematically4 ,( ! _m p :o foll[ h\nds1 comp>atively few und]/& ! sci5ce ( hunt+1 or ! habits ( ! creature :i* =ms _! qu>ry4 ,?is is probably to "s ext5t due to ! fact t !re are v few books deal+ exclusively ) ! ott] & 8 hunt+4 ,a k ( ! sci5ce ( hunt+ & ! habits ( ! qu>ry c be pick$ up by ^? :o h leisure to /udy ! subject afield1 b !re are o!rs ^: opportunities ( do+ s are limit$4 ,x is1 !re=e1 9 ! hope ( int]e/+ & p]haps in/ruct+ ! latt]1 t we h writt5 ! foll[+ *apt]s4 ,r4 ,,clapham4 ,tr\tbeck1 ,w9d]m]e4 ,april1 #aibb4 ,,cont5ts ,,*ap4 ,,page ,,preface #g ,,introduction #ac ,i4 ,,! ,,natural ,,hi/ory ,,( ,,! ,,ott] #ba ,,ii4 ,,! ,,ott]',s ,,haunts ,,& ,,habits #db ,,iii4 ,,ott]-,,hunt+1 ,,pa/ ,,& ,,pres5t #gc ,,iv4 ,,h\nds ,,& ,,t]ri]s #aab ,v4 ,,rem9isc5ces #acb ,,index #aeg ,,li/ ,,( ,,illu/rations ,,ott] ,,bask+ ,,9 ,,%all[ ,,wat] ,frontispiece ,to face page ,,ott] ,,tracks ,,leav+ ,,wat]1 ,,walk+ #dj ,,furr[ ,,made ,,by ,,ott] ,,9 ,,deep ,,sn[ #dj ,,tunnel ,,made ,,by ,,ott] ,,9 ,,sn[ #ec ,,ott] ,,tracks ,,9 ,,sn[1 ,,jump+ #ec ,,! ,,huntsman ,,br++ ,,8 ,,ott] ,,a%ore #gi ,k4 ,,& ,d4,o4,h4 ,,return+ ,,to ,,! ,,ma9 ,,riv] #gi ,a ,,kill ,,) ,,! ,k4 ,,& ,d4,o4,h4 #ajb ,,hi1 ,,worry1 ,,worry6 #ajb ,a ,,fam\s ,,ott]h\nd1 ,,mr ,w4 ,,?ompson',s ,,sn[drop #aaf ,,"s ,,( ,,mr ,w4 ,,?ompson',s ,,r\gh ,,ott]h\nds #aaf ,k4 ,,& ,d4,o4,h4 ,,mov+ ,,(f ,,to ,,draw #aci ,,go+ ,,to ,,! ,,meet ,,by ,,f]ry ,,on ,,lake ,,w9d]m]e #aci ,,introduction ,beck ,h\se1 ,giggleswick1 ,feb4 #ab?1 #aibb4 ,my ,de> ,clapham1--,i am mu* flatt]$ at y\r invitation to write an introduction to y\r ,book ( ! ,ott]1 & only wi% ,i 7 a good en\gh h& ) ! p5 to d y\r mo/ int]e/+ book ! ju/ice x des]ves4 ,if ,i 7 ask$ to f9d fault ) y\r "w ,i %\ld say its only fail+ 0 its brevity4 ,& ,i w\ld ask = a few m hunts & to h !m r m elaborat$4 ,& if y c\ld n only exp\nd to :ips1 ei!r amateur or pr(essional1 h[ y d y\r own "w z su* b make !m into :ips z good z y\rself !reby y w\ld take an enorm\s am\nt ( worry & responsibility (f _m a huntsman's %\ld]s4 ,z y say 9 y\r lett] to me1 a book on su* an int]e/+ subject is sure to create a fri5dly criticism1 m p>ticul>ly on su* controv]sial subjects z e>ly meets v]sus late ones & pure-br$ ott]h\nds v]sus draft foxh\nds4 ,admitt$ly y & ,i h always tak5 r opposite views on ^! two que/ions1 s despite ! v fair pros & cons y give ^! respective argum5ts 9 y\r book1 may ,i put 9 a fur!r argum5t 9 ea* case on behalf ( h\nds8 ,take e>ly meets ) a pack hunt+ ?ree & f\r days a week4 ,x is only possible to h e>ly meets 9 ! hotte/ "p ( ! ye>--say middle ( ,june to end ( ,augu/ 9 our ,nor? ,c\ntry1 & a r long] p]iod ) ,s\? & ,we/ ,c\ntry packs4 ,say h\nds meet at five a4m4 on f\r days 9 ! week4 ,h\nds may h to take any?+ f "o to two h\rs to get f k5nels to ! meet4 ,! m5 are 9 k5nel at lea/ an h\r be=e ! hunt+ pack turns out1 s we "k t h\nds get no re/ aft] t h\r1 :i* is probably %ortly aft] two a4m4 ,h\nds w\ld normally be back 9 k5nel aft] a day ( ?is sort )9 an h\r or two ( midday4 ,= ! re/ ( t day1 ap>t f ! di/urbance--to h\nds--( ord9>y k5nel r\t9e1 !y are unable to get g5u9e re/ on a hot summ]'s aft]noon4 ,! result is t aft] a =tnight1 or ev5 a week ( su* "w--& ,i h _m in/ances 9 my old hunt+ di>ies ( bo?--y get a jad$ pack1 a tir$ /aff1 & a we>y ,ma/]4 ,& ,i h be5 un=tunate en\gh myself to h nev] se5 ev5 a hunt be=e eight a4m4 ,if anyone w gu>antee to put h\nds on to ! l9e ( a travell+ dog ott] on a giv5 day ,i w\ld be !re ) h\nds e "t4 ,b o!rwise1 no ?ank y4 ,z to ott]h\nds v]sus foxh\nds1 ,i am conv9c$ t f9ance1 or r ! lack ( x1 is ! only reason :y draft foxh\nds are pref]r$ to ott]h\nds4 ,ott]-hunt+ is a poor man's sport1 & few p realise :at x co/s to run a pack & c\ntry4 ,if y get a ,ma/] to take a c\ntry he has v (t5 sp5t en\gh out ( 8 own pocket :5 he has paid ! diff]5ce betwe5 ! subscription li/ & ! hunt+ exp5ses4 ,& bre$+ h\nds on a big scale adds enorm\sly to exp5ses4 ,! result is t 9 n9e cases out ( t5 ! pack is made up ( draft dog foxh\nds1 & a v few r\gh-coat$ ott]h\nds4 ,an attempt may be made to bre$ a litt] or two a ye> f ! r\gh ott]h\nd bit*es4 ,five or six puppies may be got out to walk1 & ?ree or f\r left 9 k5nel4 ,z _m ( ^! z survive--possibly two & a half or ?ree c\ple--are br\ght on ! foll[+ season1 & unless !y are hopeless physical wrecks !y are put into ! pack to keep up ! !ory t !y are a pack ( ott]h\nds4 ,& good or bad work]s !y are (t5 kept on = ?is same purpose only4 ,"u ^! circum/ances1 & !y are f> f uncommon1 no wond] ! av]age memb] ( an ott]-hunt+ field pref]s ! foxh\nd4 ,any ,m4,o4,h4 c get draft foxh\nds1 & frequ5tly get !m z a gift--h\nds t h be5 ! be/ ( fox-hunt]s & fox-cat*]s1 b h got too sl[ or = any ( a doz5 o!r reasons are unable to run up to ! pace ( a mod]n foxh\nd pack4 ,^! draft h\nds "k all ab\t hunt+1 & only want ent]+ to _! new qu>ry to make mo/ excell5t ott]-hunt+ h\nds at a m9imum ( exp5se & tr\ble4 ,b if an ,m4,o4,h4 bre$s ott]h\nds on ! same l9es t foxh\nds are br$1 bre$s by selection1 bre$s ea* ye> en\gh puppies to get a big en\gh "y entry ! foll[+ ye>--big en\gh n only to be able to put d[n imm$iately any physical crock t may come 91 b big en\gh to all[ = draft+ a c]ta9 numb]--dur+ & at ! end ( _! fir/ season y c h1 9 my humble op9ion1 a pack ( pure-br$ ott]h\nds1 n only n inf]ior to1 b sup]ior to any pack ( draft foxh\nds4 ,i may appe> too en?usia/ic on ?is po9t--,i am c]ta9ly r disappo9t$4 ,i b\ght my fir/ ott]h\nds 9 #aijc4 ,i />t$ bre$+ 9 #aije4 ,9 ,july1 #aiad1 hav+ = two or ?ree ye>s prior to t date put ov] fifty puppies out to walk ea* ye>1 ,i _h j ov] =ty c\ple ( pure-bre$ ott]h\nds 9 k5nel4 ,& ,i 0 hop+ to prove t be=e _m m ye>s pass$ my confid5ce 9 ! ott]h\nd 0 n misplac$4 ,b 9 #aiai ,i 0 r$uc$ to "u t5 c\ple1 & circum/ances h s9ce prev5t$ me cont9u+ my exp]im5t to any?+ l ! same ext5t4 ,& ,i mu/ say t ,i h nev] f\nd ! ott]h\nd qu>relsome ei!r 9 k5nel or out4 ,i hope y w =give my ke5 advocacy on behalf ( ! pure-br$ ott]h\nd4 ,i am sure we %\ld bo? dislike to see him entirely elim9at$ f ! hunt+-field1 & only to be f\nd z a weird & useless animal on ! %[ b5*4 ,may y\r book h ! great success t x des]ves4 ,t x w give great pleasure to all :o "k any?+ ab\t ! ott] & ! hunt+ ( x1 ,i am sure4 ,t x w be ! means ( attract+ _m new conv]ts ,i dev\tly hope4 ,& if ,i may add a wi% ) a yet m p]sonal note1 may ,i meet y\rself & all my o!r good ott]-hunt+ fri5ds at _m ano!r good hunt1 :e!r ! meet be late or e>ly1 ! h\nds ott]h\nds or foxh\nds4 ,y\rs v s9c]ely1 ,w4 ,?ompson4 ,,*apt] ,i ,,! ,,natural ,,hi/ory ,,( ,,! ,,ott] ,! common ott] ( ! ,briti% ,isl&s1 kn[n 9 sci5tific classification z ,lutra vulg>is1 belongs to ! ,mu/elid1 or 9 o!r words ! weasel family4 ,includ$ 9 ! latt] are ! m>t5s & _! allies1 ^: *ief attributes are activity1 l5g? ( body & tail1 %ortness ( legs1 widely sep>at$ toes1 & small claws4 ,! ott] is ! possessor ( simil> attributes1 ) additional developm5ts to fit x = an aquatic exi/5ce4 ,if !re=e we describe ! ott] z an aquatic m>t51 liv+ *iefly on a fi% diet1 we %all probably n be deviat+ v f> f ! tru?4 ,swimm+ is an inh]it$ in/9ct h&$ d[n ?r\gh ! ages1 & ?\gh x has be5 lo/ by man1 x has be5 develop$ & tak5 advantage ( by _m creatures1 9 ord] to enable !m to lead an aquatic exi/5ce4 ,! reason = ?is int5sive developm5t ( _! swimm+ p[]s by c]ta9 animals probably lies 9 ! fact t aquatic life op5$ a wid] & saf] field = !m1 bo? 9 ! matt] ( food supplies & protection f _! natural enemies4 ,! ott] family is widely di/ribut$ ov] ! globe1 s be=e ent]+ ^u a detail$ description ( our ,briti% ott]1 x may be ( int]e/ to glance at o!r species inhabit+ =eign c\ntries4 ,! typical ott]s are m>9e z well z aquatic 9 _! habits1 _m ( !m visit+ ! sea1 :]e !y live 9 ! caves & o!r retreats along ! coa/4 ,!re is "o ( ! family1 h[ev]1 i4e41 ! sea-ott]1 :i* is entirely m>9e4 ,! sk9 ( ?is ott] has always be5 ke5ly s\ght = by fur-trad]s & trapp]s1 & x is ow+ to con/ant h>ass+ by su* p t ! sea-ott] is n[ all b ext9ct4 ,?is ott] diff]s 9 _m ways f its aquatic relations4 ,x possesses l>ge flipp]-l h9d feet1 a %ort tail1 & small1 delicate =efeet4 ,! h9d paws alone are us$ = swimm+1 ! delicate & s5sitive =efeet be+ employ$ 9 locat+ ! ott]'s food1 consi/+ ( mussels1 crabs1 & o!r %ell-fi%1 :i* x hunts = among/ ! rocks at ! bottom ( ! sea4 ,?is ott] sp5ds its entire exi/5ce 9 salt wat]1 & has be5 f\nd z f> z tw5ty miles f l&4 ,! female usually has b a s+le "y "o1 born1 s x is ?\ght1 on ! l>ge b$s ( seawe$ commonly kn[n z kelp4 ,ly+ on h] back 9 ! sea1 ! "m sleeps & suckles h] baby 9 t position4 ,9 ,africa !re is a species kn[n z ! spott$-neck$ ott]1 :i* has %ort] e>s1 long] toes1 & m hair ab\t its nose ?an ! common ott]4 ,africa also produces a l>ge ott] :i* has m or less giv5 up its aquatic habits4 ,! claws on ?is ott]'s =epaws h disappe>$1 :ile ^? on ! h9d feet h practically done s4 ,9 ,india !re is a small ott] ^: claws resemble ^? ( ! =ego+1 & 9 bo? animals ! s5se ( t\* 9 ! =epaws is extremely delicate1 :i* no d\bt enables ! creatures to locate c]ta9 ( _! prey by feel+ = x4 ,9 ! l>ge ,african ott] ! webs betwe5 ! toes are greatly r$uc$1 & ! facial bri/les or :isk]s are mu* s(t] ?an ^? possess$ by ! common ott]4 ,s\? ,am]ica c boa/ ( a v l>ge ott]1 ^: tail is wid] & m flatt5$ ?an is ! case ) ! ott]s above m5tion$4 ,x w ?us be se5 t !re are only slight diff]5ces betwe5 individuals compos+ ! typical ott]s4 ,illu/ration3 ,no4 #a4 ,ott]'s ,rudd]4 ,! common ,briti% ott] 7,lutra vulg>is7 is kn[n by a v>iety ( names 9 ?is c\ntry4 ,! ,wel% call ! animal dwrgi1 :ile 9 ,corni% x is writt5 durgi4 ,9 ! ,highl&s1 :]e ,gaelic is spok51 ! "n is dbhran4 ,! physical =mation ( ! ott] is admirably adapt$ to fit x = an aquatic exi/5ce4 ,9 ord] to (f] ! lea/ possible resi/ance to ! wat] :5 ! animal is swimm+ bel[ ! surface1 ! ott]'s head & muzzle are flatt5$1 & ! e>s are v small4 ,bo? e>s & no/rils c be clos$ to exclude ! wat]4 ,! body is long1 l[1 & s9u\s 9 movem5t1 set ^u %ort legs :i* are loosely articulat$4 ,! feet are palmate1 ) five toes arm$ ) %ort1 non-retractile claws1 & p]fect int]digital webs4 ,! tail is m ?an half ! l5g? ( ! head & body1 broad at ! base1 & horizontally flatt5$4 ,b5ea? ! root ( ! tail w be f\nd a pair ( small gl&s conta9+ a fetid liquid secretion4 ,be+ an aquatic1 sub-,arctic species1 ! ott] is furni%$ ) a body cov]+ ( two k9ds4 ,! ?ick1 close "u-fur1 :i* atta9s special luxuriance ( gr[?1 is provid$ = two purposes1 i4e41 = keep+ out ! wet :5 ! animal is 9 ! wat]1 & = prev5t+ loss ( heat dur+ cold wea!r4 ,ov]ly+ ?is "u-coat is a cov]+ ( long] hairs1 :i* are /iff] & m %9y1 greyi% 9 col\r at ! base1 & br[n at ! tips4 ,?is d>k col\r+ %[s 9 mo/ pron\nc$ fa%ion on ! upp] portions ( ! body1 & on ! out] surfaces ( ! legs & %\ld]s4 ,! inn] portions ( ! legs1 belly1 *e/1 ?roat1 & *eeks are br[ni%-grey4 ,! ?roat (t5 %[s a good deal ( :ite or greyi%-:ite 9 irregul> pat*es4 ,?is1 h[ev]1 v>ies consid]ably 9 individual specim5s1 "s %[+ a good deal ( x1 o!rs practically none at all4 ,turn+ aga9 to ! head1 we f9d ! eyes small & d>k col\r$1 :ile ! s-call$ :isk]s are long1 /iff1 & ?ick at ! base4 ,^! long1 /iff hairs gr[ on ! upp]-lip1 & !re is a tuft ( !m ov] ea* eye1 & two tufts--"o bel[ ! o!r--on ea* *eek4 ,9 ! case ( ! dome/ic cat ^! :isk]s are s(t1 & possess a v delicate s5se ( t\*1 ?us enabl+ ! animal to creep noiselessly ?r\gh und]gr[? 9 pursuit ( prey4 ,%\ld ! cat's :isk]s t\* ! grass or o!r gr[? on ea* side1 puss is !n in/9ctively aw>e t !re is n suffici5t room = h] body to pass1 & t %e w !re=e make a ru/l+ s\nd if %e p]si/s 9 h] advance1 & s al>m h] prey4 ,^! s(t hairs on ! cat's face are q adequate = h] purpose1 because %e hunts on l& & hates wet4 ,soak$ ) wat] ! s(t hairs w\ld droop & prove useless1 & s x is = ?is reason t ! ott]'s :isk]s h gradually develop$ until n[ !y are /rong & /iff 9 ord] to )/& ! exig5cies ( frequ5t und]wat] j\rneys4 ,!y are us$1 too1 9 a r diff]5t way1 = al?\gh :ile on l& !y may aid ! ott] to make a quiet approa* on prey1 _! *ief purpose is = locat+ food--9 ! %ape ( frogs1 fi%1 etc4--ei!r b5ea? /ones1 or on ! bottom ( ! riv]b$4 ,! long hairs on ! ott]'s upp]-lip are susceptible ( consid]able movem5t1 = _! developm5t has be5 foll[$ by t ( ! muscles b5ea?1 :i* give ! puffy appe>ance to ! ott]'s face4 ,provid$ ) p]fect int]digital webs on all f\r feet1 ! ott] :5 swimm+ sl[ly1 paddles 9 exactly ! same mann] z a dog4 ,:5 ! spe$ is increas$1 h[ev]1 ! tail is br\ght into action1 be+ mov$ f side to side1 :ile ! body is ?r[n into s9u\s curves4 ,illu/ration3 ,no4 #b4 ,,ott]',s ,,head1 ,,%[+ ,,:ite ,,m>k+s ,,ab\t ,,! ,,m\? ,,& ,,?roat4 ,! ott]1 l ! seal1 fe$s ^u fi%1 b :]eas ! seal swall[s its prey :ole & entire1 ! ott] ma/icates its food4 ,! tee? ( ! ott] are !re=e adapt$ to cru%+ bones1 :i*1 if n ?or\ghly brok5 up1 w\ld lodge 9 ! animal's ?roat4 ,! two back tee? 9 ! ott]'s upp] jaw are consid]ably enl>g$1 & are provid$ ) cutt+ edges & a flat cru%+ surface4 ,provid$ ) a %ort & p[]ful jaw1 arm$ ) a =midable array ( tee?1 ! ott] is capable ( inflict+ a v na/y bite1 z _m a h\nd & t]ri]1 z well z ott]-hunt]1 has _h cause to rememb]4 ,luckily ! ott] is a clean-fe$+ animal1 & ! aft] results ( a bite are usually n s]i\s4 ,9 ! matt] ( size & weight1 ott]s v>y consid]ably1 ^? f\nd on or ne> ! sea coa/ be+ usually heavi] ?an ott]s frequ5t+ inl& wat]s4 ,no d\bt ! quantity & quality ( ! food supply has a good deal to d ) ! v>iation4 ,r\ghly speak+1 ! av]age weight ( a dog ott] is f #bj lb4 to #bd lb41 & ( a bit*1 #af lb4 to #bj lb4 ,z f> z record weights are conc]n$1 ,daniel m5tions an ott] tak5 9 ! riv] ,lea 9 ,octob]1 #agid1 :i* scal$ upw>ds ( #dj lb4 ,turn+ to a m reliable s\rce ( in=mation1 h[ev]1 we f9d 9 ! ,field ( ,july #e?1 #aiai1 a li/ ( ! l5g?s & weights ( elev5 l>ge ott]s kill$ 9 ,norfolk4 ,i take ! lib]ty ( quot+ ! p>ticul>s :i* are z foll[s3 ,males1 #dh in*es1 #cg lb42 #ec in*es1 #cj lb42 #ej in*es1 #bh lb42 #ec in*es1 #bg lb42 #ej in*es1 #bg lb42 #ej in*es1 #bc lb42 #dh in*es1 #bc lb42 #di in*es1 #ah lb4 ,females1 #df in*es1 #af lb42 #dc in*es1 #af lb42 #dd in*es1 #ad lb4 ,x w be se5 f ! above h[ extremely weight v>ies 9 relation to measurem5t4 ,bit* ott]s occasionally weigh f> heavi] ?an any ( ^? m5tion$ 9 ! =ego+ li/4 ,9 ! ,field ( ,septemb] #bbnd1 #aiag1 an old record is giv5 7,m>*1 #ahac7 ( a l>ge bit* ott] trapp$ ne> ,lev5's ,hall1 ,we/morl&1 measur+ #ed in*es1 & weigh+ #bg lb4 ,! record ott] kill$ by h\nds1 a dog ott] ( #cd lb41 0 acc\nt$ = by ! ,essex ,o4,h4 on ,july #aj?1 #aijg1 dur+ ,mr ,rose's ma/]%ip ( t pack4 ,?is ott] 0 f\nd 9 ! sea m>%es ne> ,ipswi*4 ,g5]ally speak+1 v few ott]s ( #cj lb4 or ov] are acc\nt$ = by h\nds4 ,x appe>s to be a matt] ( unc]ta9ty z to h[ long a bit* ott] goes ) "y4 ,we h he>d x said n9e weeks1 b h no reliable evid5ce to g by4 ,z to ! numb] ( cubs 9 a litt]1 two appe> to be m (t5 laid d[n ?an ?ree1 al?\gh five h be5 m ?an once f\nd 9 ! same c\*4 ,r\ghly speak+1 ! av]age numb] appe>s to be f two to ?ree4 ,z to h[ _m ye>s an ott] 9 a wild /ate w live1 x is practically impossible to say4 ,we h se5 ott]s kill$ by h\nds1 ^: g5]al appe>ance & /ate ( _! tee? po9t$ to ! fact t !y _h arriv$ at a ripe old age4 ,ott] cubs ( simil> age h be5 f\nd 9 e mon? ( ! ye>1 ?us explod+ ! old supposition t ott]s br$ only 9 spr+4 ,"y bit* ott]s appe> to pair z soon z !y arrive at maturity1 ?us cubs are produc$ z above /at$4 ,ott]s ( abnormal col\r make _! appe>ance f "t to "t4 ,9 ! ,badm9nt5 volume on ,hunt+1 !re is an acc\nt ( a cream-col\r$ ott] kill$ on ! ,we/ ,d>t1 :ile 9 ,a ,fauna ( ,argyll by ,h>vie-,br[n & ,buckley1 !re is m5tion ( a pure :ite ott] :i* 0 kill$ 9 ,jura4 ,al?\gh a clean-fe$+ animal1 ! ott] is a creature "o h>dly associates ) human food4 ,= all t ! he>t & o!r portions ( an ott]'s anatomy h be5 s]v$ up at table on sev]al occasions ere n[1 presumably we suppose = exp]im5tal purposes4 ,:i* rem9ds u ( ! y>n conc]n+ ! old trapp]1 :o :5 ask$ if he _h ev] eat5 turkey-buzz>d1 repli$ ,yes1 siree1 ,i h eat5 turkey-buzz>d1 b ,i don't hank] aft] x4 ,on "o occasion we became possess$ ( a dead ott]1 ^: c>cass1 aft] sk9n+1 we pres5t$ to two dogs4 ,! latt] promptly turn$ up _! noses at x1 :]eas sev]al cats to :i* x 0 aft]w>ds giv5 set ab\t dev\r+ x q ke5ly4 ,9 ! case ( h\nds1 unless ! c>cass ( _! qu>ry is /ill w>m & !y are excit$ by ! free use ( horn & voice1 !y w %[ no great desire to d m ?an te> ! body ( an ott]4 ,! ott]'s hide--cov]+ a s9u\s body1 ) loosely articulat$ limbs--is t\gh1 & (f]s m resi/ance to h\nds' tee? ?an ! sk9 ( a fox1 :i* soon dis9tegrates :5 worri$ by ! pack4 ,z f> z h\nds are conc]n$1 ! sc5t ( an ott] mu/ at times be to !m exce$+ly /rong1 yet to ! human nose--ev5 if ! latt] is held close to ! animal's body--!re is only a fa9t & n unpleasant od\r1 v diff]5t to ! rank sc5t ( a fox4 ,z previ\sly m5tion$1 !re appe>s to be consid]able unc]ta9ty z to h[ long ! bit* ott] goes ) "y4 ,9 ! ,ma/] ( ,game1 ! olde/ & mo/ important "w on ! *ase 9 ! ,engli% language1 writt5 betwe5 ! ye>s #adjf & #adac by ,edw>d ,,iii4's gr&son ,edw>d1 second ,duke ( ,york1 !re is a %ort *apt] on ,! ,ott] & ,8 ,nature1 9 :i* x says t ! ott] be>s h] "y z long z ! f]ret does4 ,?is *apt] is ( great int]e/1 bo? z reg>ds ! k ( v5]y possess$ by m$iaeval hunt]s1 & ! qua9t word+ ( ! lett]press4 ,= ?is reason we take ! lib]ty ( quot+ x 9 full4 ,x says1 ,an ott] is a common bea/ en\gh & !re=e ,i ne$ n tell ( 8 mak+4 ,%e live? ) 7on87 fi% & dwelle? by riv]s & by ponds & /anks 7pools74 ,& sometimes %e fe$e? on grass ( ! mead[s & hide? gladly "u ! roots ( trees ne> ! riv]s1 & goe? to h] fe$+ z do? o!r bea/s to grass1 b only 9 ! new grass "t1 & to fi% z ,i h said4 ,!y swimme? 9 wat]s & riv]s & sometimes dive? "u ! wat] :5 !y w1 & !re=e no fi% c escape !m unless x be too great a "o4 ,!y do? great h>m specially 9 ponds & /anks1 = a c\ple ( ott]s )\t m %all well de/roy ! fi% ( a great pond or great /ank1 & !re=e m5 hunt !m4 ,!y g 9 _! love at ! "t t f]rets d1 s !y t hold 7keep7 f]rets 9 _! h\ses may well "k ! "t !re(4 ,!y be> _! :elps z long z ! f]rets & sometimes m & sometimes less4 ,!y :elp 9 holes "u ! trees ne> ! riv]s4 ,m5 hunt at !m ) h\nds by great ma/]y1 z ,i say h]eaft]4#a ,& also m5 take !m at o!r times 9 riv]s ) small cords z m5 d ! fox ) nets & ) o!r g9s4 ,%e ha? an evil bit+ & v5om\s & ) h] /r5g? def5de? h]self mightily f ! h\nds4 ,& :5 %e is tak5 ) nets unless m5 get to h] at once %e r5de? !m ) h] tee? & deliv]e? h]self out ( !m4 ,long] w ,i n make m5tion ( h]1 nor ( h] nature1 = ! hunt+ at h] is ! be/ t m5 may see ( h]1 save only t %e has ! foot ( a goose1 = %e ha? a little sk9 f "o claw to ano!r1 & %e ha? no heel save t %e ha? a little lump "u ! foot1 & m5 speak ( ! /eps or ! m>*es ( ! ott] z m5 speak ( ! trace ( ! h>t1 & 8 fumes 7excrem5ts7 tr$eles or spra9ts4 ,! ott] dwelle? b little 9 "o place1 = :]e %e goe? ! fi% be sore afraid4 ,sometimes %e w swim upw>ds & d[nw>ds seek+ ! fi% a mile or two unless x be 9 a /ank4 ,footnote #a3 ,! au?or ( ,ma/] ( ,game does n say any?+ m ab\t ! ott]4 ,( ! remnant ( 8 nature ,i ref] to ,milb\rne#b ! k+'s ott]-hunt]4 ,footnote #b3 ,! ,milb\rne ref]r$ to by ! ,duke ( ,york c sc>cely be any o!r ?an ! ,william ,melb\rne we f9d m5tion$ 9 ,h5ry ,,iv's reign z ,valet ( our ,ott]h\nds 7note 9 app5dix to ,ma/] ( ,game74 ,if ott]s be> _! :elps z long z ! f]rets1 ! p]iod ( ge/ation is six weeks or =ty-five days4 ,bit* f]rets come 9 heat 9 ,april or ,may1 & unless mat$ "s ( !m app>5tly rema9 m or less 9 t condition dur+ ! summ] mon?s4 ,! excrem5t ( ! ott]1 kn[n 9 hunt+ p>lance z spra9ts1 w$g+1 or coke1 is usually ( a blacki% col\r1 & conta9s ! bones & scales ( fi%4 ,sometimes x %[s ! rema9s ( fur or fea!r1 :i* is pro( positive t ! ott] does n live entirely ^u a fi% diet4 ,:]e an ott] has be5 fe$+ on frogs1 ! coke is usually a yell[i% col\r4 ,9 s& or s(t e>? an ott] w scrape ! latt] into a small m\nd1 l a cat1 & = ! same purpose4 ,coke is g5]ally f\nd on /ones 9 mid/ream1 or at po9ts :]e ! ott] ent]s or leaves ! wat]4 ,a small grassy promontory is a fav\rite place1 & at su* spots ! grass (t5 gr[s p>ticul>ly gre54 ,if ! grass is long1 ! coke w be f\nd hidd5 among/ x4 ,x is popul>ly suppos$ t ! direction 9 :i* an ott] is travell+--up or d[n /ream--c be v]ifi$ by ! position 9 :i* ! coke is left on ! /ones4 ,9 our exp]i5ce !re is little reliability ab\t ?is !ory4 ,on a rock 9 mid/ream ! position ( ! coke is q z likely to be 9 ! c5tre z at ! sides1 p>ticul>ly if !re is a tuft ( grass or o!r gr[? on ! /one4 ,an ott] is q likely to turn r\nd1 j z a cat or dog does1 prior to deposit+ ! coke1 !re=e ! position ( ! latt] c h>dly be a reliable guide z to ! direction tak5 by ! animal :5 x ev5tually moves (f4 ,ow+ to be+ ! possessor ( a webb$ foot1 ) five toes & %ort claws1 ! ott] leaves a track--9 hunt+ p>lance spur1 seal1 or m>k1--entirely diff]5t f t ( any o!r animal to be met ) 9 ?is c\ntry4 ,among/ ! g5]al lit]ature relat+ to ! ott]1 we h f\nd small ref]5ce to ! animal's footpr9ts1 :ile 9 "s cases ! in=mation on ! subject 0 incorrect4 ,= in/ance 9 "o article we read1 x /ates ,no o!r creature1 sav+ a cat1 leaves su* a pr9t on ,nature's page z does an ott]4 ,f\r r\nd small toes &1 if ! soil be fav\rable1 a pla9 triangle j beh9d :]e ! webb+ ( ! foot has re/$4 ,illu/ration3 ,no4 #c4 ,,left ,,=efoot ,,( ,,ott]1 ,,op51 ,,%[+ ,,int]digital ,,webs4 ,illu/ration3 ,no4 #d4 ,,left ,,=efoot ,,( ,,ott]1 ,,clos$4 ,n[ an ott]--l ! badg]1 /oat1 weasel1 & h$gehog--has five toes on ea* foot1 & ! m>ks ( ! claws or nails are always visible 9 ! footpr9ts4 ,a cat has f\r toes1 arm$ ) retractile claws1 ! m>ks ( :i* are n %[n on ! gr\nd1 except :5 ! animal is ab\t to make a spr+4 ,al?\gh a cat track may approximate 9 size to t ( an ott] cub1 ! latt] always %[s claw-m>ks1 & p>tial if n entire impr9ts ( five toes4 ,on h>d gr\nd1 claw-m>ks w %[ :5 ! impression ( ! re/ ( ! foot is practically invisible1 s anyone ) a k ( woodcraft c h>dly mi/ake ! track ( a cat = t ( an ott] cub4 ,9 ! same way ) ! footpr9ts ( h\nds1 t]ri]s1 or o!r dogs1 _! tracks all %[ ! impr9ts ( f\r toes1 plus ! m>ks ( ! claws4 ,a t]ri]'s track is f> m l t ( a fox ?an an ott]1 :ile h\nds leave l>ge footpr9ts1 easy to di/+ui%4 ,illu/ration3 ,ott] ,tracks ,leav+ ,wat]1 ,walk+4 7,photo by ,r4 ,clapham74 ,illu/ration3 ,furr[ made by ,ott] 9 ,deep ,sn[4 7,photo by ,r4 ,clapham74 ,to face p4 #dj4 ,we h also se5 x /at$ t ! track ( an ott] is recognisable by ! m>k ( its five toes1 & ! abs5ce ( a heel4 ,"u c]ta9 conditions ?is is true en\gh1 b on fav\rable gr\nd ! m>k ( ! heel is pla9ly visible4 ,9 l mann] an impression ( ! webb+ is sometimes left4 ,9 sn[ ( fair dep?1 ! individual tracks ( an ott] are m or less oblit]at$ by ! drag ( ! animal's body1 :i* leaves a furr[ z if a m9iature sn[-pl\gh _h be5 at "w4 ,also 9 sn[ ! drag ( ! ott]'s tail--9 hunt+ p>lance rudd] or pole--is g5]ally to be se54 ,! ott] has ?ree gaits3 walk+1 jump+1 & gallop+4 ,! walk %[s a l9e--usually r twi/+--( footpr9ts "o beh9d ! o!r4 ,:5 jump+ ! tracks appe> 9 pairs1 ) an int]val betwe5 ea* pair4 ,at ?is gait ! impr9ts ( ! h9d feet cov] ! tracks made by ! =efeet4 ,at ! gallop1 :i* is really jump+ at top spe$1 ! h9d feet are ?r[n ahead ( ! =efeet4 ,,*apt] ,,ii ,,! ,,ott]',s ,,haunts ,,& ,,habits ,z m5tion$ 9 ! previ\s *apt]1 ott] cubs may be born 9 any mon? ( ! ye>4 ,prior to lay+ d[n h] "y1 ! bit* ott] selects a c\* 9 ! vic9ity ( good fe$+ gr\nd4 ,h] *oice ( a retreat w v>y ) ! locality 9 :i* %e happ5s to be at ! "t4 ,9 ! l[ c\ntry h] cubs may be laid d[n 9 a dry dra9 9 ! mead[s1 :]e frogs are pl5tiful1 & ! dit*es conta9 a supply ( eels1 or among/ ! bru%wood 9 "s l>ge cov]t1 :]e ! gr\nd is swampy1 & ?r\gh :i* "o or two small runn]s me&] on _! way to jo9 ! p>5t /ream4 ,9 ! nor?1 :]e ! riv]s are swift & rocky1 ! cubs may fir/ see ! light ( day 9 "s cairn or pile ( b\ld]s1 situat$ high up ne> ! s\rce ( ! /ream1 or 9 "s rocky e>? adjac5t to a m\nta9 t>n4 ,on ! gr\se moor !y may be f\nd 9 "s sod dra9 or o!r hid+-place among/ ! peat & hea!r1 ne> a pool or pools conta9+ fi%1 & frequ5t$ by wildf[l z well z frogs & su* small de]4 ,q small cubs are (t5 f\nd 9 holts 9 ! bank ( a ma9 riv]1 b x is pretty safe to say t ! majority ( bit* ott]s move up-/ream1 ei!r to ! head-wat]s1 or up "s side-runn] prior to lay+ d[n _! cubs4 ,! latt] h on v>i\s occasions be5 discov]$ actually b5ea?1 or 9 close proximity to human habitations4 ,9 ! ,field ( ,octob] #bi?1 #aiba1 !re is an int]e/+ description ( su* an occurr5ce1 :i* we take ! lib]ty ( quot+4 ,x says3 ,an odd exp]i5ce is record$ to h happ5$ 9 ! ye> #agij to ,mr ,william ,be!l1 ! !n own] ( ,watton1 & a gue/4 ,he & a cl]gyman 7 sitt+ quietly at d9n]1 :5 !y 7 surpris$ by an extraord9>y noise b5ea? ! d9+-table = :i* !y c\ld n acc\nt1 & at l5g? !y 7 s mu* annoy$ by x t !y s5t = a workman to take up ! floor1 :5 to _! great a/oni%m5t !y f\nd t an ott] :i* _h inhabit$ ! moat _h e/abli%$ h] ne/ b5ea? ! bo>ds ( ! floor1 & _h !re deposit$ h] litt] ( "y ones1 by ^: unc\? cries x 0 t ! d9n]-p>ty _h be5 di/urb$4 ,9 ,! ,gamekeep] = ,may1 #aiad1 !re is ano!r int]e/+ acc\nt ( a some:at simil> nature4 ,x says3 ,on ,m>* #ac? la/1 ,mr ,colwill1 a t5ant on ! ,treb>?a ,e/ate1 ,cornwall1 lo/ a lamb1 & !re be+ a m\? ( a l>ge dra9 9 ! field1 ?\ght p]haps !re might be a *ance ( ! lamb hav+ gone up ! dra94 ,gett+ a long /ick he put x up ! dra91 & feel+ some?+ move he ?\ght x mu/ be ! lamb1 b on turn+ r\nd1 saw ! lamb com+ up ! field t[>ds him4 ,! same ev5+ he put "s lambs 9 ! %ipp5 9 front ( "s c[s1 putt+ !m on "s hay4 ,be=e go+ to b$ he w5t to see t ! lambs 7 all "r4 ,he 0 j hang+ up 8 lamp1 :5 some?+--he c\ld n see :at--ru%$ out pa/ him4 ,:5 he w5t to look at 8 lamb1 he f\nd a "y ott] ly+ ) ! lamb4 ,! acc\nt goes on to say t on ! p>ticul> night 9 "q1 ! local riv]s 7 9 flood4 ,! above seems to po9t to ! fact t ! bit* ott] _h be5 flood$ out ( ! dra91 & _h c>ri$ h] cub to ! %elt] ( ! %ipp54 ,a photograph ( ! lamb & ! ott] cub 0 reproduc$ 9 conjunction ) ! above lett]press4 ,ott] cubs1 l "y foxes1 are born bl9d4 ,fox cubs rema9 s = a p]iod ( ab\t ?ree weeks1 & x is probable t a simil> l5g? ( "t1 or p]haps r m1 elapses ere "y ott]s c see4 ,9 ! ,field ( ,novemb] #bf?1 #aiba1 !re is an acc\nt ( an ott] cub ^: "m 0 inadv]t5tly kill$ by h\nds4 ,?is cub 0 rescu$ & br\ght up by h&4 ,:5 tak5 f ! holt its age 0 e/imat$ at f\rte5 days4 ,sixte5 days lat] ! cub op5$ its eyes1 ?us a p]iod ( ?irty days elaps$ f ! "t ( its bir? until x c\ld see4 ,at ! end ( ! ?irty days ! cub weigh$ #ad ounces4 ,x 0 at fir/ f$ on milk & wat]1 b became v ?9 on ?is diet1 s a *ange 0 made to ,mell9s z mix$ = a new-born *ild4 ,on ?is ! cub ?riv$1 its weight on ,octob] #aa? be+ j "u #b lb4 ,x 0 tak5 f ! holt on ,augu/ #bj?4 ,_h ?is cub be5 f$ 9 ! ord9>y way by its "m x w\ld possibly h op5$ its eyes at a r e>li] date1 z x w\ld h escap$ ! set-back caus$ by an unsuitable diet4 ,! eyes ( ! adult ott] are v d>k col\r$1 b ^? ( a cub are at fir/ mu* light]1 n unlike ! eyes ( a "y fox cub4 ,:5 ! cubs are able to travel1 ! bit* ott] leads !m d[n f ! head-wat]s to ! l>g] /reams4 ,! cubs rema9 ) _! "m = "s consid]able "t1 z witness ! con/ant occurr5ce ( cubs ( f #aj lb4 to #ab lb4 be+ put d[n 9 company ) ! bit*4 ,!y consort ) _! "m until %e goes (f to re> ano!r family1 :5 !y are !n left to f5d = !mselves4 ,f ?is x is app>5t t ! ott] has b "o litt] p] ye>4 ,!re is a great deal yet to be le>nt ab\t ! ott]1 =1 be+ m or less a creature ( ! night1 & elusive 9 its movem5ts1 x is extremely difficult to /udy sy/ematically4 ,ott] cubs1 al?\gh some:at delicate1 are n difficult to h&-re>1 & make v int]e/+ & tractable pets4 ,if heal?y to />t )1 c[s' milk dilut$ ) wat] is at fir/ a satisfactory diet4 ,bo? cubs & adult ott]s are ( c\rse easy en\gh to /udy 9 captivity1 b l _m o!r creatures conf9$ "u simil> conditions1 !y soon exhibit c]ta9 abnormal ta/es & habits1 & !re=e af=d little or no real clue to _! behavi\r 9 _! natural habitat4 ,at ! ,zoological ,g>d5s 9 ,london1 ! ott]s w eat almo/ any?+ ?r[n to !m by visitors4 ,! bit* ott] %[s great affection = h] "y1 & w hang ab\t 9 _! vic9ity 9 ! face ( h\nds or human intrud]s4 ,if a bit* ) cubs is kill$1 ! cubs1 if well gr[n1 w se>* ! vic9ity = _! p>5t1 ! same apply+ to "o ( a pair :i* has be5 caught 9 a trap1 its mate rema9+ ne> x all night 9 an attempt to get x away4 ,on ^! occasions ! ott]s make a consid]able noise1 bl[+ & snort+ 9 _! agitation4 ,on "o occasion "s ye>s ago1 a bro!r ( ours f\nd ?ree small ott] cubs on a ,york%ire beck1 :i* he ev5tually captur$4 ,! bit* ott] rema9$ close at h&1 mak+ a great fuss1 reg>dless ( any possible dang] to h]self4 ,! cubs 7 c>ri$ home1 a di/ance ( a mile or m1 b 7 return$ )9 a %ort "t to ! pool :]e !y 7 f\nd4 ,! bit* ott] aga9 made h] appe>ance1 & ev5tually w5t (f ) h] re/or$ family4 ,ott]s1 be+ great nomads1 w&] long di/ances up & d[n our riv]s1 frequ5tly cross+ high wat]%$s1 & travell+ f> across c\ntry4 ,hav+ no fix$ abode l ! fox1 ! ott] inhabits tempor>y retreats or holts dur+ ! c\rse ( 8 j\rney+s4 ,mo/ ( ^! holts h be5 us$ by g5]ations ( ott]s1 & _m a dra9 or o!r %elt] long =gott5 by ! p ( ! neighb\rhood is /ill regul>ly inhabit$ by ,lutra & 8 k9d4 ,a holt may consi/ ( a tree-root on ! riv]-bank1 a dry dra91 or a wet "o conta9+ a dry ly+ place1 a /ick-heap ne> ! /ream1 or situat$ 9 a plantation at "s di/ance f ! wat]4 ,on ! rocky riv]s ( ! ,nor?1 _m ( ! holts consi/ ( pil$-up b\ld]s on ! hill-side1 mo/ ( :i* are at "s di/ance f ! ne>e/ beck or t>n4 ,^! rock-holts1 _m ( :i* lie at a high altitude1 are occupi$ by ott]s :5 cross+ f /ream to /ream ov] a wat]%$4 ,9 summ]1 ott]s frequ5tly lie r\gh1 or 9 o!r words sp5d ! day above gr\nd4 ,ne> a lake or t>n an ott] w (t5 curl up 9 ! ru%es or long grass at ! wat]'s edge4 ,if di/urb$ he w !n slide quietly into ! pool1 & unless hunt$ by h\nds1 w n %[ himself aga94 ,sometimes he w lie on a bank or 9 a h$ge close to ! m\? ( a dra91 ! latt] s]v+ him z a safe retreat :5 dang] ?reat5s4 ,9 fact1 dur+ ! w>m wea!r1 ott]s are f\nd ly+ r\gh 9 all sorts ( unexpect$ places1 (t5 to ! great surprise ( ^? :o fondly imag9e t ! animals nev] leave ! vic9ity ( wat]4 ,c]ta9 tree-roots & also rock-holts h _! entrances "u wat]4 ,9 "s ( !m !re _c be any great am\nt ( v5tilation4 ,an ott] _c live )\t air1 yet presumably x c exi/ ) less ?an mo/ creatures4 ,ott] cubs are sometimes laid d[n 9 holts ( ! above nature1 :]e !re is no v5tilation %aft1 & we h he>d ! !ory express$ t "u su* conditions practically all ! fre% air t ! cubs get is c>ri$ 9 to !m 9 _! "m's coat4 ,9 our exp]i5ce1 h[ev]1 ev5 ?\gh a holt has an und]wat] entrance1 !re are usually pl5ty ( air passages com+ d[n f above1 at any rate1 suffici5t to supply a m ?an adequate am\nt ( fre% air = brea?+ purposes4 ,! advantage ( an und]wat] entrance to an ott] lies 9 ! fact t he c get 9 & out )\t %[+ himself1 & once inside he may be out ( m>k1 or 9 o!r words1 8 sc5t is n c>ri$ to ! out] air1 s t if h\nds come along !y _c w9d him 9 8 retreat4 ,aft] 8 night's p]egr9ations1 an ott] w return to 8 holt1 b prior to settl+ d[n 9 8 *os5 retreat1 he (t5 visits "o or two o!r tree-roots on ! riv]-bank4 ,h\nds sometimes m>k at ^! places1 only to f9d t _! ott] has gone on4 ,along ! sea coa/1 ott]s inhabit ! wat]-worn caves & o!r retreats ab\t ! cliffs4 ,:]ev] !re is an op5 boa?\se on lake or riv]1 ott]s are pretty sure to resort to x4 ,we h exam9$ _m su* places1 & almo/ inv>iably f\nd ott] coke ly+ ab\t on ! plank+1 & sometimes actually 9 a boat or boats4 ,9 bad wea!r a boa?\se af=ds a dry ly+ spot1 & no d\bt ?is is :y ott]s visit x4 ,9 ord] to ?or\ghly realise ! w&]+s & (t5 long cross-c\ntry j\rneys und]tak5 by ott]s1 "o mu/ track !m 9 ! sn[4 ,on "o occasion su* a trail l$ u = a good t5 miles ov]l&1 ! ott] hav+ left a /ream1 & made 8 way uphill via a small runn]4 ,! latt] pet]$ out 9 ! op5 gr\nd1 b ! trail l$ on 9 ! direction ( a froz5 res]voir4 ,r\nd ?is ! ott] _h gone1 !n he foll[$ ! /ream f ! outlet = "s di/ance1 aft] :i* he turn$ /raight across c\ntry4 ,?ree or f\r big /one walls _h !n int]v5$1 b ! ott]--:i* _h probably be5 ov] ! same r\te be=e--made /raight to c]ta9 smoots1 & pass$ ?r\gh ) no unnecess>y se>*+ = a way out4 ,he !n visit$ a small lake1 also froz51 & aga9 took to ! outlet /ream1 d[n :i* he w5t until he arriv$ at ! ma9 riv]4 ,x mu/ h be5 a pretty h>d trip = s %ort-legg$ an animal1 = ! ott] left a furr[ 9 ! sn[ :i* 0 q deep4 ,f ! po9t :]e he left ! /ream :]e we pick$ up 8 tracks1 to ! spot :]e ! trail ent]$ ! ma9 riv] 9 ! next dale across ! wat]%$1 ! ott] _h n /opp$ once1 b _h kept toddl+ on4 ,9 ! ,lake ,di/rict1 ott]s regul>ly travel ! passes ov] ! hills1 visit+ ! m\nta9 t>ns1 & go+ f "o dale to ano!r4 ,illu/ration3 ,tunnel ,made by ,ott] 9 ,sn[4 7,photo by ,r4 ,clapham74 ,illu/ration3 ,ott] ,tracks 9 ,sn[1 ,jump+4 7,photo by ,r4 ,clapham74 ,to face p4 #ec4 ,ott]s are playful bea/s1 a fav\rite game ( !irs be+ slid+4 ,!y *oose a /eep clay bank1 or a smoo? sn[ slope1 & toboggan d[n x on _! /oma*s ) evid5t enjoym5t4 ,al?\gh "o seldom sees ^! slides 9 ?is c\ntry1 !y are v common 9 ,canada :]e we h (t5 come across !m4 ,dur+ ! cold wea!r ( a ,canadian w9t]1 ott]s sp5d a good deal ( _! "t b5ea? ! ice1 be+ able to brea! at ! air-spaces r\nd ! %ore4 ,^! air-spaces are left :5 ! wat] l[]s aft] ! ice is =m$4 ,conc]n+ ! ott]'s fe$+ habits1 !re appe>s to be a good deal ( misconception4 ,"s p imag9e t ! ott] exi/s entirely on fi%1 & = ?is reason %\ld be done to dea? z a riv]-poa*] at e opportunity4 ,we h 9 ! previ\s *apt] comp>$ ! tee? ( ! ott] & ! seal1 ! latt] animal swall[+ its food :ole1 :ile ! =m] ma/icates its food4 ,seals live ^u fi%1 b x mu/ be rememb]$ t ! ott] belongs to ! m>t5 family1 &1 ?\gh well adapt$ to lead an aquatic exi/5ce1 x /ill reta9s "s ( ! m>t5's hunt+ in/9cts1 & its tee? are suit$ to seiz+ & hold+ bo? furr$ & fea!r$ prey4 ,! p9e m>t51 /oat1 & weasel w all eat tr\t gre$ily :5 !y c get x1 s x is only natural t ! ott]1 _! relation1 well equipp$ = swimm+ & wat] "w1 %\ld %[ ! same ta/e4 ,z a matt] ( fact he does exhibit ! same ta/e z 8 small] relatives1 & to a mu* great] degree1 b he is also glad to v>y 8 diet & add bo? fle% & f[l to ! m5u4 ,! un9itiat$1 ^: k ( ott]s has be5 ga9$ by visits to ! ,zoological ,g>d5s1 :ile realis+ ! swimm+ ability ( ! animals1 look ^u !m z clumsy bea/s on l&1 & ill-adapt$ to lead an active exi/5ce on t]ra firma4 ,9 an article comp>+ ! badg] & ! ott]1 x says1 ,! ott]1 on ! o!r h&1 ?\gh an exp]t swimm]1 is on l& ne>ly z clumsy z 8 c\s9 ! badg]4 ,! au?or ( ! said article c h done little or no ott]-hunt+1 = if he _h1 he w\ld nev] h made su* a fooli% /atem5t4 ,despite 8 webb$ feet1 ! ott] is built l ! weasels1 & exhibits a great deal ( _! activity & quickness on l&4 ,= ?is reason he is well able to cope ) furr$ & fea!r$ qu>ry4 ,beg9n+ ! ott]'s m5u ) fi%1 we f9d he eats salmon1 sea tr\t1 tr\t1 & co>se fi%4 ,on ! we/ ( ,scotl& & 9 ! ,hebrides1 ott]s live a good deal on ! coa/1 b 9 ! autumn !y foll[ ! salmon up ! /reams4 ,:]e salmon are pl5tiful & easily secur$1 ott]s kill a fi%1 take x a%ore1 & eat a portion ( ! %\ld] only4 ,9 ! old days 9 ! ,highl&s1 :5 ott]s 7 m num]\s ?an !y are at pres5t1 ! cr(t]s us$ regul>ly to visit ! ott]s' l&+ places1 9 ord] to ga!r ! salmon left !re4 ,! m>ks on su* fi% 7 kn[n z ! ott]'s bite4 ,9 t delightful book1 ,wild ,sports ( ! ,highl&s by ,*>les ,/ ,john1 ! au?or ref]s to ! above practice z foll[s3 ,i 0 r amus$ at an old woman liv+ at ,sluie1 on ! ,f9dhorn1 :o1 compla9+ ( ! h>dness ( ! pres5t times1 :5 'a puir body c\ldna' get a drop smuggl$ :isky1 or %ot a rae )\t 8 lord%ip's sportsman f9d+ x out1' add$ to h] li/ ( grievances t ev5 ! ott]s 7 ne>ly all gone1 'puir bea/ies4' ',well1 b :at good c\ld ! ott]s d y8' ,i ask$ h]4 ',good1 y\r hon\r8 ,:y sc>cely a morn came b !y left a bonny grilse on ! sc>p d[n yond]1 & ! v5nison 0 none ! waur ( ! bit1 ! puir bea/s eat !mselves4' ,! p "h call e eatable animal1 fi%1 fle%1 or f[l1 v5ison1 or z !y pron\nce x 'v5nison4' ,= in/ance !y tell y t ! snipes are 'good v5nison1' or t ! tr\t are n good 'v5nison' 9 ! w9t]4 ,al?\gh an ott] is a capable swimm]1 he _c travel half z fa/ z a salmon "u wat]4 ,9 l[ wat] a s+le ott] c tire out or corn] a salmon 9 a pool1 b evid5ce leads u to believe t ott]s (t5 "w toge!r1 "o driv+ ! salmon ab\t1 :ile ! o!r keeps wat* on ! %all[s4 ,on all riv]s !re are places :]e fi% c be m or less corn]$ :5 ! wat] is at normal level1 & ( c\rse :5 x is v l[ 9 "t ( dr\ght1 salmon & o!r fi% are practically pool-b\nd1 & ?us fall victims to ott]s & o!r pr$ace\s creatures4 ,x is pretty safe to say t an ott]--l a pike1 or a cannibal tr\t--w g = any fi% :i* appe>s to be weak or 9 difficulty4 ,a sp9n+ lure--su* z a spoon t wobbles in/ead ( turn+ truly--is (t5 f> m attractive ?an "o t sp9s l a /reak ( silv]4 ,9 ! ,field ( ,june #e?1 #aibj1 !re is an acc\nt ( an ott] attack+ a hook$ salmon4 ,! writ] ( ! acc\nt says1 ,:ile ,i 0 play+ a salmon on ! ,teify on ,friday1 ,may #ba/1 an ott] made two attempts to get at him1 & v ne>ly succe$$ once4 ,?is seems s unusual to me t x w\ld be ( great int]e/ if o!rs h _h a simil> exp]i5ce4 ,?is incid5t took place ab\t eight 9 ! ev5+1 & 9 a pool :]e !re 0 only an op5+ ( a few feet :]e "o c\ld gaff ! fi% ow+ to trees4 ,! trees und\bt$ly acc\nt$ = ! ott] fail+ to see me1 b z soon z he rais$ 8 head above wat] 9 mid/ream & saw t !re 7 o!rs z well z himself aft] t fi% he soon cle>$ (f1 & ! fi% 0 successfully l&$4 ,! wild ru%es made by ! salmon aft] ! ott]'s fir/ attempt 7 extraord9>y1 z ! fi% 0 ab\t done & fit = gaff+4 ,to me ?is 0 a cle> pro( ( ! in/9ctive fe> & wond]ful vitality 9 a fi% :5 8 natural enemy appe>$4 ,o!r in/ances ( a simil> nature h be5 record$ f "t to "t1 9 "s ( :i* ! ott] has succe$$ 9 tak+ ! hook$ fi%4 ,!re is no d\bt t an ott] or ott]s fright5 fi%1 p>ticul>ly salmon1 :5 *as+ !m ab\t a pool4 ,! in/9ct ( all wild animals is to attack a weakly or w\nd$ creature1 ev5 if belong+ to _! own k9d1 & ! ott] :i* goes = a hook$ salmon does s because he kn[s he /&s a bett] *ance ( cat*+ x ?an o!r fi% 9 ! same pool :i* are free & untrammell$4 ,! ott] mu/1 !re=e1 d consid]able good by ridd+ ! /reams ( weak & sickly fi%4 ,an ott] deals ) l>ge sea tr\t z x does ) salmon1 b 9 ! case ( tr\t x frequ5tly eats !m entire1 leav+ no?+ to wa/e4 ,:5 dev\r+ fi% an ott] eats l a cat1 ) half-clos$ eyes4 ,9 ! case ( co>se fi%1 ! ott] (t5 disc>ds ! head & tail1 & 9 ! same way ) an eel1 ! head may be left4 ,^? :o decry ! ott] z a fi%-poa*] %\ld rememb] t ! animal does n conf9e 8 att5tions solely to "o pool or to "o species ( diet dur+ 8 nightly w&]+s4 ,he may fi% & o!rwise fe$ up-/ream = "s miles1 tak+ a tr\t "h1 an eel !re1 & p]haps a "y rabbit some:]e else4 ,we h already se5 t ! ott] mu/ d good by kill+ sickly or w\nd$ salmon1 & 9 ! same way ) tr\t1 he captures _m an old cannibal fi% :i* is f> bett] out ( ! wat]4 ,^! old tr\t n only prey on _! own small] relations1 b are great dev\r]s ( fi% spawn1 & ! same applies1 only 9 a mu* great] degree1 to eels1 :i* are ! wor/ v]m9 9 or ab\t a riv] or lake4 ,_m co>se fi%1 too1 are inimical to spawn & "y fry1 !re=e ! ott] does f> m good ?an h>m by fe$+ on !m4 ,eels & frogs1 ! latt] be+ sk9n$ by an ott]1 are ! fir/ qu>ry t ! bit* ott] tea*es h] cubs to hunt4 ,^! are s\ght = on l& & 9 ! wet dit*es & %all[ runn]s4 ,lat]1 ! cubs are initiat$ 9 ! art ( fi%+4 ,:5 fir/ introduc$ to wat]1 ! cubs %[ consid]able reluctance to swim4 ,?is c h>dly be because !y are unable to d s1 b r ow+ to a y\?ful av]sion--z 9 ! case ( a puppy--to ent]+ a /range elem5t = ! fir/ "t4 ,! bit* !re=e takes !m to a /one 9 mid/ream1 & ei!r pu%es !m 91 or leaves !m !re until !y are at la/ tempt$ to ent] ! wat] & foll[ h]4 ,on ! sea coa/ ott]s sp5d a good deal ( "t se>*+ = fl\nd]s 9 ! %all[ pools4 ,!y also eat crabs1 lob/]s1 sea anemones1 & v>i\s cru/aceans4 ,ott]s sometimes visit ! lob/] fi%]s' creels1 & !re are in/ances on record ( p>tially gr[n ott]s hav+ be5 f\nd dr[n$ 9 ! creels4 ,on inl& lakes & /reams ott]s fe$ on fre%-wat] mussels & cray-fi%4 ,z previ\sly m5tion$1 x is no uncommon ?+ to f9d ! rema9s ( fur & fea!r 9 ott] coke4 ,ott]s capture wat]h5s & dab*icks1 al?\gh we are ( ! op9ion t !y pref] o!r food if !y c get x4 ,at any rate we are famili> ) a c]ta9 re$-fr+$ pond on ! hills1 :]e a bit* ott] & two cubs ( ab\t #ab lb4 weight resid$ = "s mon?s4 ,?is pond 0 also occupi$ by q a numb] ( wat]h5s1 yet !re 7 no app>5t rema9s ( ^! birds to be f\nd 9 ! vic9ity1 :i* po9t$ to ! fact t ! ott]s left !m pretty mu* alone4 ,a r curi\s ?+ happ5$ :5 we visit$ ! pond ) h\nds4 ,at fir/ ! wat]h5s 7 mu* 9 evid5ce1 b aft] h\nds _h be5 at "w = an h\r or two1 we began to f9d dead wat]h5s ly+ ab\t4 ,^! 7 n kill$ by h\nds1 b 7 dr[n$1 & _h practically--z f> z we c\ld see--committ$ suicide4 ,to escape dang] a wat]h5 w keep div+1 & ! birds "u discussion _h evid5tly--ow+ to ! cont9ual pres5ce ( h\nds--done s until !y 7 tir$ out1 & subsequ5tly p]i%$ "u wat]4 ,:at made _! behavi\r /rang] /ill 0 ! fact t !re 0 a small cov]t adjo9+ ! pond1 9 :i* ! birds c\ld h f\nd sanctu>y on t]ra firma until all dang] 0 pa/4 ,bo? dab*icks & wat]h5s dev\r fi% spawn1 s ott]s d good by ?9n+ out ! ranks ( ^! birds4 ,at times ott]s w take game-birds1 & !re are au!ntic records ( gr\se1 pheasants1 & duck hav+ be5 kill$ by !m4 ,"o or two in/ances ( ?is w suffice4 ,9 ,! ,natural ,hi/ory ( ,sport 9 ,scotl&1 by ,tom ,spe$y1 ! latt] says3 ,t he c sc5t & p\nce ^u 8 prey l a fox 0 demon/rat$ by foll[+ 8 tracks among sn[ up ,corrie ,mac%ee ,burn at ,dalnaspidal4 ,! trail left ! wat]-side & %[$ :]e ! animal _h made a b\nd & caught a gr\se 9 its roo/+-place among ! sn[4 ,return+ to ! /ream1 he _h cross$ on to a b\ld] 9 ! c5tre ( ! burn1 :]e he dev\r$ "p ( 8 prey4 ,! same au?or m5tions a case ( an ott] on ! ,biel e/ate 9 ,ea/ ,lo?ian1 :i* dragg$ a fo/]-"m h5 out ( a coop & p>tly dev\r$ x1 z well z a numb] ( "y pheasants big en\gh to sit out among/ ! grass4 ,traps 7 set1 bait$ ) ! dead bodies ( ! birds1 & a l>ge ott] 0 secur$2 ! massacre !n ceas$4 ,9 ,! ,gamekeep] = ,augu/1 #aiac1 !re is a note conc]n+ ! dea?s ( fifte5 sitt+ pheasants 9 a cov]t beside a riv]4 ,ea* bird _h a hole gnaw$ d[n ?r\gh ! back1 ! c>casses be+ left ly+ ne> ! ne/s1 n an egg hav+ be5 t\*$4 ,a duck caught on h] ne/ is treat$ 9 ! same way by an ott]4 ,9 ,! ,gamekeep] = ,june1 #aiai1 !re is a note conc]n+ an ott] :i* 0 caught 9 a tunnel-trap bait$ ) rabbit paun*4 ,! trap 0 set 9 ! middle ( a "o hundr$ acre wood4 ,! ott] 0 a cub1 weigh+ #i lb4 ,wat]h5s & dab*icks1 p>ticul>ly ! latt]1 :5 tak5 by ott]s1 are pull$ "u ! wat]1 ?\gh !y may be captur$ among/ ! re$s & o!r und]gr[? z well4 ,duckl+s sometimes fall victims to ! ott]1 ?\gh z a rule big pike d ! greate/ h>m 9 ?is direction4 ,pike h be5 kn[n to take pheasants z well z duck :i* _h fall5 into a lake dur+ ! c\rse ( a %oot4 ,f available evid5ce1 ott]s on a /ream conta9+ tr\t & co>se fi% seem to pref] ! latt]4 ,possibly !y are easi] to capture ?an tr\t4 ,on hill-/reams1 :]e ! fi% are small b v num]\s ow+ to %ortage ( food1 ott]s mu/ d a great deal ( good by r$uc+ ! /ock4 ,z f> z furr$ prey is conc]n$1 ott]s w kill & eat rats1 wat]-voles1 & "y rabbits4 ,we h on sev]al occasions se5 :]e a small bunny _h be5 caught by an ott]4 ,on m>%es :]e duck %oot+ is c>ri$ on1 ott]s f9d & fe$ on w\nd$ duck1 exactly z d foxes4 ,"h aga9 !y d good by act+ z scav5g]s1 z well z by putt+ w+$ birds out ( _! mis]y4 ,rabbits appe> to be ! l>ge/ f\r-foot$ creatures prey$ ^u by ott]s1 b we h he>d x sugge/$ by an old ,lakel& dalesman t !y w on occasion take lambs4 ,al?\gh we br+ =w>d ?is sugge/ion ) great diffid5ce1 x is q possible t !re is "s tru? 9 x4 ,our in=mant liv$ by ! %ore ( a lake 9 an out-(-!-way "p ( ! c\ntry1 :]e at "o "t p9e-m>t5s 7 v pl5tiful4 ,x is a well-kn[n fact t m>t5s w kill lambs1 & an ott]1 :i* is a mu* m p[]ful animal1 c\ld easily d ! same if s incl9$4 ,anyway1 ! old dalesman m ?an once f\nd ! c>cass ( a lamb left close to ! edge ( ! wat] on ! lake %ore1 ) ! tracks ( ott]s r\nd ab\t x4 ,nei!r a hill-fox nor m>t5 w\ld be likely to drag or c>ry ! c>cass to wat]1 & ! :ole ?+ c]ta9ly po9t$ to ! "w ( ott]s4 ,an ott] is a pr$ace\s animal ( ! weasel family1 /rong1 & active 9 its habits1 & w\ld exp]i5ce no difficulty 9 tackl+ a lamb4 ,x is nev] safe to be dogmatic 9 "o's /atem5ts conc]n+ ! habits ( wild creatures1 because g5]ally speak+1 ! only regul> ?+ ab\t !m is _! v>iability4 ,cases h occurr$ :]e ott]s 7 responsible = kill+ ducks1 gr\se1 pheasants1 & rabbits1 & ?\gh su* behavi\r is only occasional on ! "p ( ! av]age ott]1 x %[s :at he w d :5 s incl9$4 ,9 w9t] ott]s are sometimes h>d put to x to f9d food1 & !y h be5 kn[n to take p\ltry at su* times4 ,9 ! same way reg>d+ ! dalesman's /atem5t ab\t lambs1 an ott] may occasionally kill "o1 al?\gh mo/ p w\ld laugh at su* an idea4 ,we "k t hill-foxes take lambs1 hav+ scores ( times f\nd c>casses 9 & ab\t ! e>?s1 yet "o meets hunt+ p :o resolutely refuse to believe t ,reyn>d ev] falls s f> f grace z to fe$ on lamb4 ,a fox w eat tr\t :5 he c get x1 & s w _m dogs4 ,we h "o n[ :i* eats small tr\t z gre$ily z a cat1 & no d\bt foxes secure _m fi% :5 ! hill-/reams are dead l[ 9 summ]4 ,x is no m /range = a fox or a dog to eat fi% ?an = an ott] to take an occasional lamb4 ,all ?ree are c>nivor\s--! ott] be+ lea/ s--& :5 all is said & done1 wild animals %[ v unusual traits at times4 ,summ+ up ! ott]'s fe$+ habits1 we f9d he kills fi%1 & 9 ! case ( salmon he is c]ta9ly wa/eful4 ,to set aga9/ ?is he takes _m a sickly fi%1 z well z cannibal tr\t1 all ( :i* are bett] out ( ! way4 ,he kills wat]h5s & dab*icks1 bo? dev\r]s ( fi% spawn1 & he slays quantities ( eels1 :i* are ! wor/ v]m9 to be f\nd 9 lake or /ream4 ,game is only an occasional item on 8 m5u1 & nobody grudges him a few "y rabbits4 ,ott]s1 !re=e1 if kept )9 reasonable limits1 d _! %>e ( good1 &1 l ! fox1 provide ! v be/ ( sport :5 hunt$4 ,:5 ,reyn>d is roll$ ov] by h\nds x is ! debt he pays = ! privileg$ exi/5ce ( himself & 8 k9d1 & ! same ?+ applies to ! ott]4 ,giv5 a good pack ( h\nds1 hunt+ _! di/rict prop]ly1 ott]s w be kept suffici5tly 9 *eck1 & good sport w be enjoy$ by rip>ian own]s & o!rs4 ,! only occasion on :i* an ott] c d really ext5sive damage is :5 he gets access to a tr\t hat*]y4 ,once he f9ds 8 way to ! bre$+ ponds he w kill fi% "r & left4 ,if1 h[ev]1 su* places are prop]ly f5c$ (f--z !y %\ld be--!y w nev] suff] f ! att5tions ( ott]s4 ,swans & o!r wildf[l1 h]ons1 dab*icks1 wat]h5s1 k+fi%]s1 frogs1 cannibal tr\t1 & eels d f> m damage to fi% & fi% spawn ?an ott]s1 & ) ! exception ( c]ta9 wildf[l1 provide no sport 9 return4 ,! ott]1 l ! fly-fi%]man1 is a sportsman1 & = ?is reason ! "o %\ld deal l5i5tly ) ! o!r4 ,ott]s d mo/ ( _! fe$+ & travell+ at night1 b x is n an uncommon occurr5ce to f9d !m abroad 9 daytime4 ,9 ,canada we h on sev]al occasions se5 !m on ! ice dur+ ! day1 & once :ile wat*+ a de] runway ne> a riv]1 a big ott] float$ d[n/ream )9 tw5ty y>ds ( u4 ,hav+ f$ up-/ream dur+ ! night1 an ott] may take to "s holt at ! end ( 8 j\rney1 or he may float d[n ) ! curr5t--if ! wat] is fairly deep--& return to ! holt f :i* he />t$4 ,al?\gh an ott] c make wond]ful headway aga9/ a /rong curr5t1 he g5]ally avoids rapids & r\gh wat] :5 travell+ up-/ream4 ,on com+ to su* a place he l&s1 makes a det\r1 & ent]s ! wat] aga9 high] up4 ,8 fe$+ exp$itions are n necess>ily re/rict$ to ! ma9 riv]1 = he (t5 explores side-/reams1 dit*es1 & o!r places1 :i* lie at a consid]able di/ance f deep wat]4 ,he usually leaves 8 holt--or c\* if he is ly+ r\gh--ab\t dusk1 & returns to x be=e daybreak4 ,= ! mo/ "p ott]s are sil5t creatures1 b !y :i/le :5 call+ to ea* o!r1 & w snort & bl[ :5 play+ toge!r4 ,9 ,canada _! playgr\nds are ! slides1 & !re two ott]s w gambol l puppies betwe5 ! int]vals ( toboggan+ d[n ! bank4 ,al?\gh an ott] does n dig to any ext5t1 he w1 z already m5tion$1 scrat* up s& or s(t e>? = a c]ta9 purpose1 & 8 feet & claws aid him 9 secur+ cru/aceans & o!r food4 ,al?\gh ! ott] is unable to climb l ! m>t51 he c on occasion jump & scramble ov] high places 9 a wond]ful mann]4 ,9 ! ,nor?1 ott]s regul>ly travel deep ghylls & wat]c\rses :]e !y are oblig$ to climb to "s ext5t1 & :5 h>d press$ by h\nds x takes a v r\gh place inde$ to /op an ott]4 ,9 big cov]ts an ott] w /& up be=e h\nds l a fox1 & w travel at a surpris+ pace4 ,on r\gh1 rocky riv]s1 an ott]'s claws1 p>ticul>ly ^? on ! h9d feet1 are (t5 v mu* worn d[n4 ,?is may be acc\nt$ = by ! /ate ( ! go+4 ,a m\nt$ specim5 n[ 9 our possession has ! claws ( ! h9d feet practically worn (f1 :]eas ! nails on ! =efeet are ne>ly p]fect4 ,!re are probably few wat]s 9 ,great ,brita9 :i* are n at "s "t or o!r haunt$ by ott]s4 ,ev5 9 ! vic9ity ( t[ns ! m>ks ( ott]s may be f\nd beside canals & /reams1 ! surr\nd+s ( :i* w\ld appe> to be any?+ b attractive to ,lutra4 ,be+ *iefly a creature ( ! night1 nomadic & elusive 9 its habits1 ! ott] (t5 sp5ds a peaceful exi/5ce 9 ! vic9ity ( human habitations1 ! occupants ( :i* nev] dream t ! sly1 goose-foot$ pr[l] is a frequ5t visitor to _! wat]4 ,! majority ( p h nev] se5 an ott]1 except "u a glass case 9 "s museum1 or )9 ! conf9es ( ! ,zoological ,g>d5s4 ,! angl]1 fi%+ at dusk1 may sometimes be fav\r$ by a glimpse ( an ott]1 b5t on ! same err& z himself1 b z a rule few ott]s are se5 except :5 put d[n by h\nds4 ,,*apt] ,,iii ,,ott]-,,hunt+1 ,,pa/ ,,& ,,pres5t ,x 0 n until a comp>atively rec5t date1 t ! ott] became an accr$it$ bea/ ( *ase4 ,he 0 hunt$1 aft] a fa%ion1 f ! v e>lie/ times1 b ! value ( 8 sk9--l t ( ! fox--_h m to d ) 8 capture ?an ! sport he af=d$4 ,k+ ,john ( ,engl& appe>s to be ! fir/ ,ma/] ( ,ott]h\nds ( :om !re is any record1 & ,twici seems to h be5 ! fir/ huntsman4 ,9 ,! ,ma/] ( ,game1 writt5 betwe5 ! ye>s #adjf & #adac1 !re is a *apt] on ,! ,ott] & 8 ,nature1 illu/rat$ by a reproduction ( an old illum9ation entitl$ ,ott] ,hunt+4 ,?is picture repres5ts a h\nd--app>5tly smoo?-coat$--swimm+ an ott] 9 a riv]4 ,on ! f>!r bank are two h\nds1 & two m54 ,"o ( ! latt] is transfix+ ! ott] z x swims ) a long-h&l$1 ?ree-prong$ spe>4 ,! o!r man is app>5tly ab\t to ?r[ a simil> k9d ( spe> at ! ott]1 :ile hold+ 9 8 left h& a second spe> ) ! ord9>y type ( s+le-blad$ head4 ,on ! ne> bank are two m m51 & two h\nds4 ,"o ( ! latt] appe>s to be r\gh-coat$1 or at any rate brok5-hair$1 ! o!r be+ a l>ge1 :ite1 smoo?-coat$ animal4 ,?is h\nd is evid5tly a lim]1 z x is held 9 lea% by "o ( ! m54 ,! o!r man1 arm$ ) a s+le-blad$ spe>1 is /abb+ ! ott] 9 ! h9dqu>t]s4 ,x is app>5t t 9 ^? e>ly days ! *ief use ( ! h\nds 0 9 f9d+ ! ott]1 & once ! latt] 0 put d[n1 ! spe>s 7 br\ght into play4 ,9 ! *apt] on ! ott]1 x says3 ,m5 hunt at !m ) h\nds by great ma/]y1 & m5 take !m at o!r times 9 riv]s ) small cords z m5 d ! fox ) nets & ) o!r g9s4 ,?us we see pla9ly t ! ott] 0 little ?\ght ( 9 ^? days1 except = ! value af=d$ by 8 sk94 ,9 e>ly times a lime-h\nd1 i4e41 a h\nd held 9 lea%1 0 us$ = h>b\r+ de] & o!r game4 ,su* a h\nd 0 ke5 & /aun*1 n too fa/1 & 0 taught to run mute1 9 ord] n to di/urb ! game ^: exact :]eab\ts 8 ma/] wi%$ to discov]4 ,! rope by :i* ! h\nd 0 l$ 0 kn[n z a liam1 be+ made ( lea!r or silk4 ,bo? coll> & lead 7 (t5 gaily col\r$1 & adorn$ ) silv]4 ,! me?od ( conduct+ ! *ase :5 hunt+ at an ott] ) h\nds by great ma/]y 0 no d\bt simil> 9 "s respects to t practis$ at pres5t4 ,in/ead1 h[ev]1 ( hunt+ ! drag ) ! pack1 lime-h\nds 7 us$ to locate ! qu>ry1 ! latt] be+ !n bolt$ by t]ri]s4 ,9 ! prologue to ,! ,ma/] ( ,game1 x says ) reg>d to dogs3 ,& fir/ ,i w beg9 ) ra*es 7runn+ h\nds7 & _! nature1 & !n greyh\nds & _! nature1 & !n alaunts & _! nature1 & !n spaniels & _! nature1 & !n ma/iffs t m5 call curs & _! nature1 & !n ( small curs t come to be t]ri]s & _! nature4 ,:at ^! t]ri]s 7 l comp>$ to ! pres5t-day bre$s1 x is difficult to say1 b no d\bt !y 7 h>d-bitt5 animals1 well able to bolt ott]s or foxes4 ,hav+ bolt$ ! ott]1 probably sev]al h\nds 7 !n unc\pl$1 :i* kept ! qu>ry on ! move1 s t ! m5 got pl5ty ( *ances to use _! spe>s4 ,! ott] 0 all[$ no law z is n[ ! cu/om1 b 0 transfix$ at ! fir/ opportunity4 ,! spe>s 7 evid5tly ?r[n at ! ott]1 z well z us$ to transfix him on ! %all[s4 ,at a lat] date1 9 ,som]vile's days 7#agce7 ! spe> 0 9 g5]al use1 & x is m5tion$ z late z #ahgh 9 ! ,manual ( ,briti% ,rural ,sports by ,/oneh5ge4 ,turn+ to ! ,ott] ,hunt+ ,di>y ( ! late ,mr ,james ,lomax1 ( ,clayton ,hall1 :i* dates f #ahbi to #ahga1 we f9d no m5tion ( ! spe>4 ,9 ,field & ,f]n 7,s\?71 by ,h4 ,h4 ,dixon1 publi%$ 9 #ahfe1 !re is an acc\nt ( ,dr ,grant1 ( ,hawick1 & 8 ott]h\nds1 )\t1 h[ev]1 any ref]5ce to spe>s4 ,al?\gh ! employm5t ( ! spe>1 or ott]-gra9s z x 0 sometimes call$1 0 no d\bt almo/ univ]sally discont9u$ fairly e>ly 9 ! la/ c5tury1 x 0 probably us$ till a lat] date by individuals :o kept a h\nd or two1 & pursu$ ott]1 fox1 & f\m>t aft] ! mann] ( ! ,scot* tod-hunt] ) 8 scrat* pack4 ,nets 7 sometimes us$ 9 conjunction ) spe>s to keep an ott] f rea*+ tidal wat]s4 ,to-day1 h[ev]1 all su* abom9ations h be5 done away )1 & n[ x is left = h\nds to hunt & kill _! ott]1 if !y c1 unaid$4 ,until a few ye>s ago1 x 0 cu/om>y to meet q e>ly 9 ! morn+1 (t5 soon aft] daybreak4 ,n[adays1 h[ev]1 p are less en]getic1 & x is no?+ unusual to read ( fixtures z late z t5 a4m4 ,al?\gh f a social or love & lun* po9t ( view1 late meets are no d\bt conv5i5t1 ! same c h>dly be said z reg>ds hunt+4 ,"s ,ma/]s ( ,ott]h\nds are av]se to e>ly meets because !y say t ! drag is !n (t5 s /rong t h\nds are v apt to pass ov] _! ott]4 ,by gett+ to ! wat] lat] ! drag has lo/ "s ( its /r5g?1 & h\nds are !n br\ght to _! noses1 & travel sl[]1 ?us be+ less incl9$ to pass _! ott] 9 its holt4 ,really ! "t ( meet+ %\ld dep5d ^u ! "* ( ! wat] y int5d to hunt4 ,on a riv] fl[+ ?r\gh m>% or wat] mead[s1 :]e ! long grass & ru%es are always m or less damp & ! gr\nd b5ea? !m %ad$ f ! sun1 sc5t w lie = h\rs1 & !re is no necessity to make a v e>ly />t4 ,9 ! ,nor?1 h[ev]1 :]e ! /reams are swift & rocky1 & h _! s\rces f> up ! hill-sides1 !re is (t5 little %ade1 except beside "s cov]t1 or 9 "s ghyll or rav9e to :i* ! sun's rays seldom p5etrate4 ,meet+ at t5 o'clock on su* wat]1 !re is little *ance ( a good drag1 & x may mean h>d "w = bo? m5 & h\nds be=e !y f9d1 & ev5tually put _! ott] d[n4 ,illu/ration3 ,! ,huntsman ,br++ 8 ,ott] ,a%ore4 7,photo by ,n4 ,clapham74 ,illu/ration3 ,k4 ,d4,o4,h4 ,return+ to ! ,ma9 ,riv]4 7,copyright by ,r4 ,f4 ,lees1 ,blackpool74 ,to face p4 #gi4 ,_m an in/ance comes to m9d1 :5 if h\nds _h be5 put to wat] ?ree or f\r h\rs e>li]1 !y w\ld h _h a hot cross-c\ntry drag1 & probably a f9e swimm+ hunt at ! end ( x4 ,we h kn[n h\nds meet at n9e o'clock at ! foot ( a ,lakel& beck1 & travel sev]al miles up-/ream )\t a :imp]4 ,on ne>+ ! s\rce1 !y spoke to a drag 9 ! dep?s ( a %ady ghyll1 & c>ri$ x at a fa/ pace out on to ! op5 fell4 ,!re ! sun 0 beat+ d[n ) trem5d\s p[]1 & "u its influ5ce ! drag di$ out4 ,h\nds 7 on ! l9e ( a travell+ ott]1 & _h !y hit (f ! drag 9 ! ghyll at five or six o'clock in/ead ( n9e1 !y c\ld easily h c>ri$ x ov] ! wat]%$1 & d[n a runn] :i* ent]s a t>n 9 ! next valley4 ,a good hunt 0 ?us spoilt1 simply because ( a late />t4 ,an advantage ( meet+ e>ly lies 9 ! fact t y p]haps f9d & kill y\r ott] be=e ! real heat ( ! day beg9s1 ?us mak+ ?+s easi] = bo? h\nds & field4 ,x is impossible to lay d[n any h>d & fa/ rule z reg>ds ! "t ( meet+1 = z already m5tion$1 ?is w be influ5c$ by ! "* ( ! wat] y are go+ to hunt1 &1 if y are dep5d5t on subscriptions1 ! ke5ness or o!rwise ( y\r subscrib]s4 ,9 ! case ( mak+ a />t ) a newly organis$ pack1 conta9+ a good proportion ( un5t]$ h\nds1 x is advisable to get out e>ly 9 ! morn+ until su* "t z y\r h\nds beg9 to und]/& _! job & take an int]e/ 9 ! bus9ess4 ,sc5t lies /rong] bo? on l& & wat] dur+ ! e>ly h\rs1 & if y\r few ent]$ h\nds f9d & m>k _! ott]1 ! un5t]$ ones h a bett] *ance :5 _! qu>ry is ev5tually put d[n4 ,to a lov] ( h\nd "w1 ! drag left by an ott] dur+ 8 nightly w&]+s1 provides z mu* ( int]e/ :5 h\nds c own x1 z ! actual hunt+ aft] ! ott] is afloat4 ,) ent]$ h\nds :i* try ! banks c>efully x is possible to f9d an ott] )\t t\*+ a drag at all4 ,?is frequ5tly happ5s aft] a late meet1 :5 ! huntsman is a real tri]1 & c dep5d on 8 h\nds4 ,/ill1 we imag9e t ! majority ( ke5 ott]-hunt]s enjoy wat*+ ! pack at "w on a drag1 & ! music seems a fitt+ prelude to ! *orus t arises :5 f9ally h\nds m>k & ackn[l$ge 9 no unc]ta9 tones t _! qu>ry is at home4 ,"u fav\rable conditions ! sc5t ( an ott] w lie = a v long "t4 ,9 ! %ade1 amid/ tall h]bage1 or among ! wat] lilies1 h\nds c speak to x h\rs aft] _! ott] has gone1 & x is sometimes difficult to "k :e!r !y are ! "r way or runn+ heel4 ,!n is ! "t to look = ! seal ( y\r ott] 9 ! s&1 mud1 or o!r s(t places1 & note :e!r ! footpr9ts po9t up-/ream or d[n4 ,half ! pleasure ( ott]-hunt+ is to see h\nds draw1 t is if !y draw well1 try+ e root z !y g1 or swimm+ out to "s /one 9 mid/ream on :i* p]haps !re is a piece ( w$g+4 ,"h a h\nd w try a pat* ( wat] lilies1 !re ano!r w inve/igate a /ick-heap1 until at la/ !re is a welcome note f ,?und]1 ,sailor1 or "s o!r memb] ( ! pack1 :i* d5otes t a drag has at la/ be5 f\nd4 ,gradually !y "w x out1 fa/ or sl[ accord+ to its /r5g?1 until at la/ !y m>k at a tree-root on ! bank4 ,if y "k y\r h\nds y c tell pretty well :e!r y\r ott] is !re1 or has m]ely run ?r\gh ! place & gone on4 ,"o or two ( y\r mo/ tru/$ fav\rites p]haps %[ an incl9ation to pu% =w>d up-/ream1 s y g ahead1 tak+ pl5ty ( "t at all ! likely holts4 ,sudd5ly old ,w>rior's head goes up1 he w9ds ! air = a second or two1 !n goes /raight across ! riv]1 & 8 well-kn[n voice r+s out z he proclaims t 8 ott] is ?is "t 9 ! holt 9 front ( him4 ,! o!rs surge ov]1 spla%+ ! wat] z !y g1 & a wild *orus awak5s ! e*oes z h\nds m>k solidly1 "s ( !m te>+ at ! bank 9 _! eag]ness to h _! qu>ry out ( t4 ,!re is no d\bt he is at home1 b if !re 01 y ne$ only wat* old ,boatman swimm+ r\nd & r\nd b5ea? ! holt 9 an endeav\r to take ! sc5t or wa%1 to conv9ce y t h\nds are "r4 ,! great advantage ( meet+ e>ly lies 9 ! fact t if !re is an ott] or ott]s work+ ! wat] t y propose to hunt1 y are practically sure ( f9d+ a drag1 :i* at t "t ( day w lie /rongly4 ,z already m5tion$1 ott]s lie r\gh1 z well z 9 holts1 & may be f\nd almo/ any:]e1 (t5 f> f ! ma9 riv]4 ,"h is :]e y b5efit by a w>m trail1 = !re w be no d\bt z to ! po9t at :i* y\r qu>ry left ! ma9 riv]1 & took to a side-runn]1 or out across c\ntry to "s pond or o!r fav\rite fe$+ gr\nd4 ,suppos+1 h[ev]1 t y\r ott] has left a drag on ! banks ( ! ma9 riv]1 :i* leads h\nds /eadily up-/ream4 ,if ! drag is hot1 ! pack w run x at spe$1 until !y f9ally m>k _! ott] 9 8 holt1 or ! trail sudd5ly comes to an end1 & h\nds are at a loss4 ,9 ?is case y\r ott] may h gone on "s di/ance 9 ! wat]1 ! latt] hav+ c>ri$ all sc5t away1 & !n l&$ at "s holt f>!r up4 ,he may1 too1 h cross$ ! /ream--p]haps 9 deep wat]--& retir$ to a holt on ! opposite bank4 ,aga91 he may h dropp$ d[n ) ! curr5t to 8 orig9al />t+ po9t1 leav+ no trace beh9d him4 ,if ! riv] is n>r[1 he may1 ( c\rse1 h cross$ & re-cross$ x 9 8 j\rney up-/ream1 ! same apply+ 9 a less] degree1 to a wide riv]4 ,if possible1 x is wise !re=e to h a numb] ( h\nds on ea* bank1 in/ead (1 z "s huntsm5 d1 cross+ ) ! pack at %all[s or o!r spots :]e ! /ream c be =d$4 ,by keep+ h\nds on ! "o bank & cross+ "h & !re1 mu* wat] & _m a likely holt is pass$ ov]4 ,h>k+ back1 h[ev]1 to :]e h\nds *eck$4 ,! ott] may /ill be 9 front1 !re=e x pays to make good ! wat] = "s little di/ance up-/ream4 ,if1 )9 a reasonable di/ance1 h\nds hit (f 8 l&+ place & m>k him at a holt1 well & good1 b if !re is only a t\* "h & !re on :i* h\nds fea!r1 d5ot+ a /ale l9e p]haps a day or two old1 x is !n advisable to try back4 ,if h\nds h c>ri$ ! drag at spe$1 !y may1 9 _! eag]ness1 h ov]run _! ott]1 & left him n s v f> beh9d4 ,:5 ca/+ back !re=e1 g sl[ly1 & keep "s h\nds if possible on bo? banks4 ,soon] or lat]1 ) any?+ l luck1 h\nds %\ld locate _! ott] on "o bank or ! o!r4 ,j z an e>ly />t af=ds a hot drag1 s does x help h\nds to m easily w9d _! ott] 9 8 holt1 %\ld he h cross$ & left no trace beh9d him 9 ! /ream4 ,"s h\nds exhibit great aptitude = w9d+ an ott] 9 ?is mann]1 !re=e :5 y see a memb] ( ! pack ?r[ up 8 head & beg9 te/+ ! air1 y c be fairly sure t y\r ott] is n f> (f4 ,if1 in/ead ( meet+ e>ly y _h arriv$ at ! wat] late1 on ! =ego+ occasion1 y w\ld probably h hit (f a weak or cat*y drag1 & h _h to g sl[1 try+ bo? banks c>efully en r\te4 ,if ?is happ5s on a /ream :i* ! ,ma/] kn[s well1 & has (t5 hunt$ be=e1 he may simply cross & re-cross ! wat] to ! v>i\s holts f :i* he has put d[n ott]s on previ\s occasions4 ,%\ld h\nds refuse to m>k at any ( ^! holts1 & ! limit ( ! day's draw is rea*$1 ! result is a blank4 ,! same ?+ may happ5 on a riv] :i* has n be5 hunt$ = a long "t4 ,! meet is late1 h\nds are left to pick up a drag if !y c1 ! field foll[+ at _! leisure1 & once m x is a case ( no?+ do+ at ! conclusion ( ! draw4 ,x is :5 an ott] has left ! ma9 riv] via a side-/ream1 or travell$ a long way ov]l& to "s pond1 or o!r retreat1 t ! advantage ( meet+ e>ly is s conspicu\s4 ,late 9 ! day ! drag is v weak & cat*y 9 ! op51 :]e ! sun has dri$ up all moi/ure1 & ev5 if h\nds d %[ an incl9ation to turn up a runn] or deviate at "s po9t1 !y may n be able to c>ry ! l9e f>1 ev5 if enc\rag$ to d s4 ,if an e>ly />t is made1 h[ev]1 ! drag is w>m1 & h\nds c hit (f ! place ) c]ta9ty :]e _! ott] has left ! riv]1 & :at is m1 !y c run ! l9e at spe$1 ?us draw+ up to _! qu>ry's holt1 or ! spot :]e he is ly+ r\gh1 )\t loss ( "t4 ,! *ief object ( keep+ a pack ( ott]h\nds is to f9d1 hunt1 & if possible kill y\r ott] 9 a sportsmanlike mann]4 ,be=e y c hunt him y mu/ f9d him1 & on n9e days out ( t51 ?is is ! h>de/ "p ( ! bus9ess4 ,an ott] may be any:]e1 & ( c\rse x may s happ5 t ! wat] )9 y\r day's draw is n be+ work$ by ott]s4 ,9 ?is case y _c f9d :at is n !re4 ,a blank day !n is n only excusable1 b inevitable4 ,on ! o!r h&1 if y\r pack is made up ( ent]$ h\nds1 & y "k _! individual idiosyncrasies1 & h 9 addition a fair k ( ! habits ( y\r qu>ry1 !re %\ld be little excuse = a blank day1 provid$ y />t e>ly en\gh 9 ! morn+ to af=d y\r h\nds ! *ance ( pick+ up & /ick+ to a dec5t drag4 ,! sure/ way ( f9d+ an ott] is to drag up to him1 any o!r me?od1 at any rate on riv]s1 holds an enorm\s elem5t ( *ance4 ,on a lake or a t>n1 :i* y y\rself "k is inhabit$ by ott]s1 x is a diff]5t matt]1 = y c !n ?r[ (f 9 ! re$-b$s or o!r und]gr[? bord]+ ! wat]1 ) a good hope ( putt+ y\r ott] d[n be=e h\nds h be5 long at "w4 ,no fix$ rules are applicable to ott]-hunt+1 or any o!r k9d ( hunt+ = t matt]1 b x is safe to say t ! ,ma/] :o is a tri]1 & keeps on try+1 w be ! "o to br+ to h& mo/ ott]s4 ,be+ himself ( ! nev] say die ord]1 he w inculcate ! same _s 9 8 h\nds1 = a slack huntsman makes a slack pack1 & vice v]sa4 ,! late ,rev4 ,jack ,russell1 ( ,devon%ire fame1 walk$ "s hundr$s ( miles be=e he f\nd 8 fir/ ott]4 ,?is 0 ow+ to ! fact t 8 h\nds at ! beg9n+ 7 un5t]$ to ott]4 ,:5 he f9ally got hold ( an ent]$ h\nd1 matt]s took a diff]5t turn1 & he %[$ capital sport1 b 8 ill-success at fir/ 0 c]ta9ly n = want ( try+4 ,:5 hunt+ a riv]1 p>ticul>ly 9 a hilly di/rict1 a sudd5 flood may put a /op to sport4 ,:5 ! wea!r is unsettl$ x is wise1 !re=e1 to all[ = su* a cont+5cy1 & be prep>$ to arrange matt]s s t a small] /ream or lake c be sub/itut$4 ,a frequ5t reason = blank days lies 9 hav+ too wide a di/rict to hunt4 ,?is means t c]ta9 /reams are visit$ b once a season1 & a s+le day on ea* is n suffici5t to insure sport4 ,a c]ta9 riv] is p]haps visit$ to-day1 & h\nds hit (f a drag & c>ry x up-/ream a long way1 until ! h\r is late1 & _! ott] /ill unf\nd4 ,! next fixture is probably 9 ano!r c\nty1 :]eas if h\nds 7 put to wat] on ! foll[+ morn+ at ! place :]e !y left (f1 a hunt w\ld be practically a c]ta9ty4 ,aga91 if a brace ( ott]s are put d[n1 & "o ( !m is hunt$ & ev5tually kill$1 a visit to ! same wat] on ! foll[+ day w\ld result 9 ! survivor provid+ "s pretty "w = h\nds4 ,!re is h>dly an ,ott] ,hunt 9 ! k+dom b :at attempts to cov] m wat] 9 a season ?an x c prop]ly manage4 ,! *ances ( cont9u\s good sport are on ?is acc\nt exce$+ly d\btful1 = unless riv]s are frequ5tly visit$1 & a fair p]c5tage ( ott]s are kill$1 rip>ian own]s1 keep]s1 & o!rs w refuse to protect ott]s1 & in/ead1 g 9 = ! kill+ bus9ess !mselves4 ,hunt+ is 9 ?is c\ntry dep5d5t ^u ! goodwill ( l&[n]s & t5ants1 :o are z a rule only too pleas$ to welcome h\nds4 ,if1 h[ev]1 ! ,hunt does n prop]ly r$uce ! /ock ( foxes or ott]s1 o!r me?ods are !n resort$ to4 ,! m ott]s or foxes y kill 9 y\r di/rict1 ! m y w h1 = directly p realise t y & y\r h\nds mean bus9ess & are out = blood1 !y w leave x to y to d ! kill+1 & conf9e _! att5tions to pres]v+ y\r qu>ry4 ,a small di/rict1 regul>ly hunt$1 w provide mu* bett] sport ?an a l>ge "o casually att5d$ to4 ,! fixture c>d ( ! av]age ,ott] ,hunt %\ld %[ ,:]e leave (f mu* (t5] ?an x does at pres5t4 ,9 a small di/rict a ,hunt is mu* less dep5d5t on tra9s = mov+ h\nds f place to place1 & !re is f> m opportunity to lie out ov]night at "s f>m or o!r home/ead1 & ?us cont9ue hunt+ at ! same place on ! foll[+ day4 ,h>k+ back to ! riv]1 a great _m p imag9e t :5 h\nds hit (f a l9e away f ! wat]1 & g full cry ?r\gh a wood1 across op5 c\ntry1 or up "s t9y /reamlet1 t !y are runn+ riot4 ,t h\nds occasionally run riot1 m especially ! "y entry1 we d n = a mom5t d5y1 b :5 a pack ( ent]$ h\nds p]=ms 9 ! above mann]1 !y are n riot+1 b runn+ ! l9e ( a travell+ ott]4 ,! huntsman !n1 in/ead ( bl[+ 8 horn :ile ! :ipp]s-9 rate & attempt to /op h\nds1 %\ld put 8 be/ leg =emo/ & try to keep 9 t\*1 s t if h\nds *eck1 aft] cov]+ p]haps a mile or two1 he w be !re or !reab\ts & h a good idea :at to d4 ,we h vivid recollections ( a day on :i* h\nds hit (f ! l9e ( an ott] t _h /ol5 away f a rock-holt )\t be+ se5 or talli$4 ,%e1 = x 0 a "y bit* ott]1 left ! ma9 /ream ) a good />t1 & turn$ up a runn] :i* lay 9 a deep1 n>r[ valley4 ,at ! head ( ?is valley ! ott] turn$ left-h&$ & cross$ ov] m ?an a mile ( op5 c\ntry compris+ ! wat]%$4 ,desc5d+ ! o!r side1 %e ent]$ a /ream via a hang+ cov]t on ! ne> bank4 ,:5 h\nds hit (f h] l9e1 !y rac$ up ! valley ) evid5tly a scream+ sc5t4 ,at ! top !y hov]$ = an in/ant1 !n swept on left-h&$ ov] ! hill4 ,! huntsman1 :o 0 conv9c$ t !y 7 runn+ riot1 attempt$ to /op !m1 & succe$$ 9 gett+ hold ( "s ( !m1 b ! o!rs w5t on1 & we c\ld he> !m speak+ m]rily 9 ! direction ( ! /ream 9 ! valley bel[4 ,we pass$ ! huntsman1 bl[+ 8 horn1 ) a c\ple or two ( h\nds r\nd him1 & on ask+ him :at 0 ! matt]1 he said h\nds 7 riot+4 ,see+ we did n believe him1 he reluctantly foll[$ on1 & to cut a long /ory %ort1 h\nds ev5tually kill$ _! ott] h&somely1 aft] du/+ h] up & d[n ! /ream = "s ?ree-qu>t]s ( an h\r4 ,we c see ! expression on t huntsman's face yet1 :5 h\nds coll>$ _! ott]1 & he 0 oblig$ to ackn[l$ge he _h be5 9 ! wrong1 :ile 8 h\nds _h be5 "r4 ,n[ ! fir/ lesson a huntsman1 pr(essional or amateur1 has to le>n is to tru/ 8 h\nds4 ,if he c't d ?is1 he _h bett] leave hunt+ alone1 & look = ano!r job4 ,once y\r h\nds are prop]ly ent]$1 & y "k _! individual traits & idiosyncrasies1 always tru/ to :at !y say ab\t x1 & pay no att5tion to ! utt]ances ( a sceptical field1 _m ( :om "k little or no?+ ab\t ! sci5ce ( hunt+4 ,! l9e h\nds are runn+ may p]haps seem a v unusual "o1 ev5 to y1 b if ,r\s]1 ,?und]1 ,m>ksman1 & a few m ( y\r tru/$ fav\rites are voic+ ! fact t an ott] is 9 front ( !m1 !n y c bet y\r life x is s1 & y\r job is to keep 9 t\* ) !m if possible4 ,always rememb] t an ott] may be f\nd any:]e1 & may d any?+ once he is afoot or afloat4 ,! only c]ta9 ?+ ab\t him is 8 v>iability4 ,y w le>n some?+ new ab\t him e day y g out ) h\nds1 & if y /ore up ! in=mation ?us obta9$1 x w come 9 mighty useful on _m a future occasion4 ,! ,ma/] :o hunts 8 own h\nds %\ld /udy ! habits ( ott]s 9 w9t] z well z 9 summ]4 ,aft] a prolong$ sn[-fall a visit to "o or o!r ( 8 riv]s1 lakes1 etc41 w af=d a v>iety ( useful in=mation reg>d+ ! :]eab\ts & ! do+s ( ott]s4 ,_! tracks w be pla9 en\gh 9 ! sn[1 & by foll[+ ^! footpr9ts a k ( ! v>i\s r\tes trav]s$ by ott]s w be ga9$1 & _m a long =gott5 dra9 or o!r hid+-place discov]$4 ,! lessons ?us le>nt w come 9 mighty useful :5 ! hunt+ season aga9 beg9s4 ,:5 ?us sc\t+ 8 c\ntry1 he %\ld n =get to drop 9 at ! mill1 or ! v>i\s f>m/eads ne> ! riv]4 ,! mill] c be a good fri5d1 or1 if he likes1 a bad enemy1 & ! same applies to f>m-h&s1 & o!r p :o "w on ! l&4 ,a *at ) ! f>m] & 8 wife goes a long way t[>ds smoo?+ ! gr\nd = hunt+1 & a fri5dly ^w & a pipe ( baccy ) ! riv]-wat*]s & lab\r]s ensures amicable relations1 & paves ! way t[>ds enc\rag+ an int]e/ 9 h\nds & hunt+4 ,x is ! ,ma/] :o is ?us on ! job 9 w9t] z well z summ] :o gets pl5ty ( good walks = 8 puppies1 & is free to hunt :5 & :]e he likes dur+ ! season4 ,on 8 j\rneys he w he> mu* ab\t ott]s & _! do+s1 a great deal ( :i* in=mation1 h[ev]1 he w take ) ! prov]bial p9* ( salt4 ,half ! p y meet1 ev5 ^? :o live ne> riv]s1 h nev] se5 an ott]1 al?\gh !re are1 ( c\rse1 c]ta9 individuals ^: in=mation is to be dep5d$ on4 ,^! are few & f> betwe51 h[ev]1 & ! wise ,ma/] w tru/ to 8 own p[]s ( obs]vation1 r ?an to reports ( hypo!tical ott]s1 :i* 9 ! end turn out to h be5 black cats1 or "s o!r animals se5 ne> ! wat] at dusk4 ,h>k+ back to our hunt+1 h[ev]1 h\nds h m>k$ _! ott] 9 8 holt 9 a root or "s o!r retreat1 & ! next job is to evict him4 ,h\nds are call$ (f & tak5 back out ( sight 9 a ne>by field1 & ! t]ri]s come on ! sc5e4 ,vic or ,v5geance is s5t 91 & v soon !re are s\nds und]gr\nd betok5+ some?+ do+4 ,! b>k+ ceases = a mom5t1 & !n a d>k br[n object glides out ?r\gh ! tangl$ roots1 !re is a slight spla%1 & a long *a9 ( bubbles z ! ott] takes to ! riv]4 ,a %rill tally-ho6 br+s h\nds pell-mell to ! sc5e ( action1 & ! hunt is on4 ,x all s\nds v easy1 & sometimes is s1 b on o!r occasions ! ott] refuses to bolt1 or ! t]ri]s _c br+ suffici5t pressure to be>1 s !re is no?+ = x b s5d to ! ne>e/ f>mh\se = tools4 ,spades1 pick1 & cr[b> are soon on ! spot1 & !re may !n ensue "s /r5u\s digg+1 be=e ! t]ri]s are locat$1 & f9ally ! ott]4 ,occasionally1 :5 ! t]ri]s are s5t 91 a rabbit or rabbits may bolt1 or ev5 z has happ5$ be=e n[1 a fox4 ,!n is ! "t y are likely to he> subdu$ rem>ks f sceptical memb]s ( y\r field4 ,take no notice ( t4 ,y\r h\nds say _! ott] is !re1 believe !m1 no matt] h[ _m rabbits appe>4 ,ott]s lie v close at times1 (t5 till y dig "r up to !m1 & on su* an occasion y w h ! laugh on ! d\bt+ ,?omases1 :5 y pull little t]ri] ,v5geance out by ! /]n1 & y\r ott] takes to ! riv]4 ,if a t]ri] c get beh9d 8 ott]1 he w g5]ally p]suade ! qu>ry to bolt1 b if ! ott] backs up into a cul-de-sac1 ! dog is oblig$ to face him 9 front1 & if ! t]ri] is a real /ick] he w hold 8 ott] !re until ! digg]s "w d[n to ! spot4 ,ott]s w lie up 9 rabbit burr[s1 dra9s1 tree-roots1 & sometimes 9 fox or badg] e>?s4 ,rock-holts are also fav\rite places on ! nor? c\ntry riv]s4 ,:]e !re are sev]al side-dra9s bran*+ (f a ma9 dra91 x is (t5 difficult = ! t]ri]s to locate _! ott]4 ,"s rock-holts1 too1 are practically impregnable1 & ! same applies to _m a big head ( e>?s 9 cov]t4 ,occasionally an ott] may be p]suad$ to bolt :5 o!r means h fail$1 by gett+ a numb] ( p to jump on top ( ! holt1 ! p>ty do+ s 9 unison4 ,:5 digg+ or t]ri] op]ations are go+ on1 someone %\ld be /ation$ :]e !y c keep wat* = ! ott] bolt+4 ,if ! qu>ry c slip out "u wat]1 he may get away undetect$1 unless a bright look out is kept4 ,dur+ ! "t t digg+ is go+ on1 ! field %\ld be made to /& well back f ! sc5e ( op]ations4 ,:5 !y cr[d r\nd ! place1 z ! av]age field s (t5 does1 !y are a nuisance to ! digg]s1 & talk s mu* t x is (t5 impossible to he> ! t]ri]s und]gr\nd4 ,aga91 %\ld an ott] bolt f a dra91 & h "s di/ance to g be=e rea*+ ! wat]1 ! field are ne>ly sure to />t hallo+1 ) ! result t h\nds break away & arrive on ! sc5e ere ! ott] has _h fair law4 ,once ! ott] is afloat1 ! next ?+ is to keep him go+ until h\nds tire him out1 & at la/ ga9 _! rew>d4 ,! field %\ld n[ spread out at int]vals1 along ! bank1 & /& /ill4 ,by do+ s ea* individual c wat* ! wat] 9 front ( him1 & tally :5 he is c]ta9 he sees ! ott]4 ,:5 ! field p]si/s 9 ru%+ up & d[n ! banks !y are a nuisance to bo? h\nds & huntsman4 ,/&+ /ill1 & keep+ a bright look out1 !y c be ( ! greate/ s]vice1 & at ! same "t !y see m sport ?an :5 con/antly %ift+ _! positions4 ,aft] he has be5 hunt$ = "s "t1 ! ott] w beg9 to %[ himself1 & x is !n p]fectly legitimate = ! wat*] to tally-ho if he sees ! ott]4 ,unless1 h[ev]1 he is sure t x is ! ott]1 he _h be/ keep sil5t4 ,a salmon 9 rapid wat]1 or a moorh5 cross+ a pool1 has (t5 deceiv$ a wat*] on ! bank1 !re=e make sure be=e tally+4 ,also1 nev] tally because someone else says he has se5 ! ott]1 see x y\rself fir/4 ,x may be necess>y to s5d "s ( ! field to =m a /ickle across ! %all[s1 above or bel[ ! sc5e ( action4 ,^! p mu/ keep a %>p look out1 wat*+ ! wat] c>efully4 ,if !y d _! "w prop]ly1 ! ott] %\ld n get pa/ !m )\t be+ se54 ,if ! hunt gradually works up-/ream1 ! p on ! l[] /ickle %\ld n be =gott54 ,"s signal1 say a few notes on ! :i/le1 %\ld be giv5 9 ord] to let !m "k t !y are at lib]ty to leave _! po/s4 ,illu/ration3 ,no4 #e4 ,,tally-,,ho6 ,9 rapid1 or deep wat]1 an ott] w (t5 pass an exp]i5c$ hunt] )\t be+ talli$1 p>ticul>ly if x is mov+ close to ! f>!r bank4 ,! angle at :i* ! light falls on ! wat] (t5 makes x extremely difficult to detect an ott] z x passes4 ,aft] be+ hunt$ = "s l5g? ( "t1 ! ott] %[s himself m & m frequ5tly4 ,he may v>y ! wat] "w by mak+ an excursion ov]l&1 or runn+ ! l5g? ( a ne>by wood4 ,p]haps he takes refuge 9 a holt1 & is !n bolt$ by ! t]ri]s4 ,anyway1 if ?+s g "r1 ! "t comes :5 he c d no m1 & he dies fight+ on ! %all[s1 leav+ 8 m>k on ne>ly e h\nd4 ,! huntsman at la/ gets ! pack to leave him1 n us+ a :ip1 b pu%+ h\nds (f ) knees1 h&s1 & pole1 aft] :i* he slips ! c>cass "u wat] = a m9ute or two until he recov]s 8 w9d1 & !n c>ries x a%ore4 ,!re x is weigh$1 mask1 pole1 & pads are sev]$1 ! c>cass is slit up1 & toss$ to ! eag]ly expectant pack4 ,hi1 worry1 worry1 worry1 ,:o-:oop6 te> him & eat him4 ,aft] bl[+ ! rattle1 & *e]+ h\nds to keep up ! excitem5t1 ! v>i\s trophies are di/ribut$1 & "o's ?\ghts !n turn 9 ! direction ( c]ta9 bottles :i* are snugly repos+ 9 a fri5d's c> on ! ne>e/ highway4 ,illu/ration3 ,a ,kill ) ! ,k4 ,d4,o4,h4 7,copyright by ,mrs4 ,r4 ,f4 ,lees1 ,blackpool74 ,illu/ration3 ,hi1 ,worry1 ,worry6 7,copyright by ,r4 ,f4 ,lees1 ,blackpool74 ,to face p4 #ajb4 ,e>ly1 or late 9 ! season1 :5 ! wea!r is boi/]\s & ! wat] cold1 x pays to hold up a few c\ples ( h\nds1 res]v+ !m until ! work+ pack has _h ab\t en\gh ( x4 ,!n at ! "r mom5t1 ?r[ 9 y\r res]ves & make a quick f9i%4 ,?is plan is especially applicable to lake hunt+1 :5 h\nds are cont9ually swimm+ 9 deep wat]4 ,:5 h\nds are on a drag1 or h put d[n _! ott]1 ! huntsman %\ld enc\rage !m1 *e]+ !m on to any p>ticul> h\nd :i* has made a hit1 & ! same :5 !y m>k solidly at a root4 ,!re is no ne$ to be noisy1 b h\nds "w all ! bett] = enc\ragem5t1 & a bit ( excitem5t at a holt tea*es "y h\nds to m>k _! ott]4 ,to make a success ( ott]-hunt+1 or any o!r k9d ( hunt+ = t matt]1 a man mu/ use 8 bra9s1 & to "s ext5t call on 8 p[]s ( imag9ation4 ,a *apt] on hunt+ is h>dly complete )\t "s m5tion ( t elusive my/]y call$ sc5t1 s a few words w be devot$ to x "h4 ,y get good & bad sc5t+ days 9 ott]-hunt+ j z y d :5 hunt+ fox or h>e1 b ! *ase ( ! ott] has ! advantage ( be+ conduct$ bo? on l& & wat]1 & if sc5t is bad on ! latt]1 x may be q ! rev]se if y\r ott] takes to t]ra firma4 ,sometimes x is good on bo?1 ?\gh x may happ5 t an ott] :i* has be5 hu/l$ ab\t ! woods or across c\ntry app>5tly gives (f little sc5t :5 he returns to ! wat]4 ,a bit* ott] 9 cub1 or "o ) a "y family1 appe>s to (t5 give (f little or no sc5t1 & :]e hunt+ takes place on a riv] pollut$ by oil1 or o!r =eign matt]1 sc5t is g5]ally conspicu\s by its abs5ce4 ,sc5t v>ies too at diff]5t times ( day4 ,9 ! e>ly morn+1 be=e ! sun has dispell$ ! dew1 x is g5]ally good1 b dies away z ! atmosph]e becomes w>m]4 ,:5 ! sun beg9s to s9k & ! air becomes damp aga91 sc5t is likely to fre%52 :ile a %[] ( ra9 may affect x 9 ! same way4 ,! vag>ies ( sc5t are impossible to =etell ) any?+ l c]ta9ty1 & p]haps x is z well s1 o!rwise sport w\ld become too cut & dri$1 & w\ld lose mu* ( its int]e/ on t acc\nt4 ,occasionally an ott] takes refuge beh9d weir+ or 9 "s o!r retreat1 t necessitates pull+ d[n a c]ta9 am\nt ( ! ob/ruction be=e he c be evict$4 ,9 ?is case1 p]mission f ! own] or t5ant ( ! place %\ld be obta9$ be=e beg9n+ op]ations4 ,9 ! same way1 %\ld ! own] or t5ant object to ! pres5ce ( h\nds on 8 l&1 always be civil1 no matt] :at he says1 & take h\nds away )\t any argum5t4 ,! life ( ! sport dep5ds ^u ! exi/5ce ( amicable relations betwe5 ! ,hunt & ! own]s ( ! l& :i* !y cross4 ,al?\gh t]ri]s c z a rule bolt an ott] if !y c get to him1 f]rets h be5 us$ = ! same purpose be=e to-day4 ,bo? ott]s & foxes h on occasion be5 bolt$ f rabbit burr[s dur+ f]ret+ op]ations4 ,9 "s c\ntries artificial dra9s or holts h be5 con/ruct$ = ! use ( ott]s1 b !re is usually a good deal ( unc]ta9ty z to :e!r ! ott]s w take to su* abodes4 ,:]e old dra9s run a long way into ! l&1 ) possibly a numb] ( bran* dra9s1 x is (t5 wise to place iron grat+s at "s di/ance f ! m\?1 9 ord] to facilitate matt]s :5 x comes to bolt+ an ott]4 ,z ! great *>m ab\t ott]-hunt+ is its fre$om f artificiality1 made holts or dra9s ne$ h>dly be enc\rag$1 except p]haps 9 extreme cases :]e !re is no suitable ly+-up place = ott]s ov] a long /ret* ( wat]4 ,:5 hunt+ h\nds1 ! ,ma/] w be assi/$ 9 ! field by two :ipp]s-91 :i* may consi/ ( ! paid k5nelman1 & an amateur4 ,_! job is to keep h\nds 9 *eck :5 necess>y1 prev5t riot+1 if any1 & keep 9 t\* ) ! pack %\ld h\nds g (f across c\ntry ) a scream+ sc5t4 ,tak+ x = grant$ t ! paid h& kn[s 8 job1 ! amateur %\ld be equally pr(ici5t4 ,he mu/ keep a ke5 look out z he goes = signs ( ott]s1 z well z hidd5 dra9s1 etc41 & he mu/ "k ! names ( all ! h\nds & _! individual idiosyncrasies1 s z to tell in/antly if !y are incl9$ to riot1 or !y %[ an incl9ation to m>k at roots1 or take a l9e away f ! riv]4 ,speak+ broadly1 ! :ipp]s-9 prev5t h\nds go+ too fa/ & outpac+ ! ,ma/] & ! field1 b x %\ld be rememb]$ t h\nds c be kept too mu* 9 *eck1 & by s do+ !y are balk$ 9 _! desire to hunt1 z well z drive on :5 sc5t+ conditions are good4 ,9 fox or h>e hunt+1 ! huntsman's place is ) 8 h\nds1 :e!r !y are draw+ or runn+1 & !re appe>s to be no good reason :y an ott]-huntsman %\ld n get a move on :5 8 h\nds pu% ahead on a hot drag1 or drive along across c\ntry4 ,x is q z necess>y to run1 & (t5 run h>d1 ) ott]h\nds1 z to ride h>d ) foxh\nds1 & ! huntsman :o takes 8 own "t :il/ 8 :ipp]-9 is bur/+ himself across c\ntry is surely lack+ 9 ke5ness4 ,al?\gh ott]-hunt+ does n call = z mu* quickness on ! "p ( ! huntsman z fox-hunt+1 we /ill mu/ confess we l to see a huntsman ( ott]h\nds %[ "s agility :5 8 h\nds run fa/4 ,?is p>ticul>ly applies to hunt+ 9 ! nor?1 :]e ott]s s (t5 cross /eep wat]%$s4 ,a great deal ( valuable "t is frequ5tly lo/1 simply because ! huntsman pref]s to take 8 own "t1 in/ead ( attempt+ to keep 9 close t\* ) h\nds1 & ?us be on ! spot %\ld !y mom5t>ily require 8 assi/ance4 ,z f> z ! field are conc]n$1 x is _! own fault if !y are left beh9d :5 h\nds run4 ,:5 travell+ ) h\nds on ! highway1 h[ev]1 ! huntsman & :ipp]s-9 %\ld g at a reasonable pace1 s z to give ! field a *ance--p>ticul>ly ! ladies--to be !re :5 h\nds are put to wat]4 ,rac+ ahead ) h\nds on ! roads gets ! pack into ! habit ( pu%+ on :5 !re is really no ne$ = x1 s a reasonable walk+ pace %\ld be aim$ at4 ,:5 h\nds h put _! ott] d[n1 or hit him abroad1 to use an old expression1 & are swimm+ him1 ! huntsman %\ld keep on ! %all[ side ( ! riv]1 m p>ticul>ly if ! f>!r bank is ?ickly ov]gr[n ) will[s or o!r cov]4 ,f ! %all[ side he has a cle> view ( :at 8 h\nds are do+1 & if x is necess>y to pole ! f>!r bank if an ott] p]si/s 9 hang+ !re1 he %\ld ask "o ( 8 :ipp]s-91 or "s exp]i5c$ memb] ( ! field to d x = him4 ,) reg>d to clo?+ & etcet]as = ott]-hunt+1 little ne$ be said "h4 ,hunt uni=ms are usually made ( wooll5 s]ge mat]ial1 :i* dries quickly1 & )/&s a lot ( r\gh usage4 ,%orts are sometimes worn1 b 9 our exp]i5ce loose knick]bock]s are mu* pref]able1 p>ticul>ly = hunt (ficials :o may h to =ce _! way ?r\gh bri]s or o!r und]gr[? 9 ! execution ( _! duty4 ,b>e knees & ?orns d n associate well toge!r1 :ile bree*es ( ! semi-rid+ type are too tight-fitt+1 & reta9 wat]4 ,boots or %oes %\ld be well nail$ to prev5t slipp+1 pref]ably ) s(t1 wr\ght-iron hobs1 :i* get a bett] grip on rocks ?an /eel nails4 ,an iron-%od pole ( a% or hazel--! latt] is light yet /rong--is necess>y = cross+ deep or swift wat]1 & 9 "s di/ricts z an aid to jump+ wide dit*es & op5 dra9s4 ,a pole %od ) a d\ble-prong$ spike is less liable to slip ?an "o arm$ ) a s+le spike4 ,likewise a pole cut f ! gr[+ tree or sapl+ looks m workmanlike ?an a made "o1 ornam5t$ ) a fancy metal head or o!r embelli%m5t4 ,) reg>d to ! :ip1 = use by ,hunt (ficials1 "o ) a %ort la% is to be pref]r$1 = x c be f> m easily crack$ :5 ! us] is /&+ 9 wat] ?an a long-la%$ affair4 ,! huntsman :o _c bl[ an ord9>y horn )\t unnecess>y discords w be well advis$ to secure a re$-horn4 ,e call c be s\nd$ on ?is1 ) ! exception ( t to call h\nds away1 & = ?is q a good sub/itute c be bl[n4 ,:5 us+ ! horn1 he %\ld employ di/9ct calls1 !n bo? h\nds & field "k :at he means4 ,"s huntsm5 bl[ ! same note all day long1 & h\nds take no he$ ( x1 :ile ! monoton\s s\nd gets on ! n]ves ( ! field4 ,n[adays ! ott]-hunt+ season ext5ds f ,april to ,septemb]1 b 9 ! f\rte5? c5tury x la/$ f ,febru>y to ,june4 ,,*apt] ,,iv ,,h\nds ,,& ,,t]ri]s ,! av]age ott]h\nd pack to-day is usually compos$ ( foxh\nds1 cross-br$ h\nds1 & a few c\ples ( pure1 r\gh-coat$ ott]h\nds4 ,9 ! old days ! latt] pr$om9at$ 9 mo/ packs1 & x is only ( late ye>s t ! foxh\nd has come to ! =e 9 ! pursuit ( ,lutra4 ,! orig9 ( ! r\gh-coat$ h\nd is m or less %r\d$ 9 my/]y1 b x is pretty safe to say t he is closely relat$ to ! bloodh\nd4 ,if true to type he possesses _m ( ! bloodh\nd's *>act]i/ics1 includ+ ! long p5dul\s e>s1 ! deep-set eye %[+ ! haw1 & ! black & tan col\r :i* s (t5 pr$om9ates4 ,! r\gh coat 0 ga9$ by a cross ( "s sort1 b x is impossible to say ) c]ta9ty :at ?is cross 04 ,! wire-hair$ ,wel% h>ri] may h _h some?+ to d ) x1 & aga9 x is q likely t ! old h>d-coat$ ,lanca%ire h>ri] may h be5 us$ = ! same purpose4 ,x is possible1 too1 t ! old s\!rn h\nd 0 cross$ ) ! bloodh\nd1 :ile !re are ^? :o believe t ! ,fr5* griffon _h a %>e 9 ! bus9ess4 ,?us we see t ! r\gh out] coat may h come f a v>iety ( s\rces1 b ! ?ick1 woolly "u-coat is no d\bt a provision ( nature to protect ! h\nd f ! effects ( frequ5t & long-cont9u$ imm]sion 9 ! wat]4 ,?is "u coat is worn by ! ,*esapeake ,bay dog1 a bre$ ( retriev] mu* us$ by wildf[l %oot]s 9 ,am]ica4 ,9 ! f\rte5? c5tury ra*es or runn+ h\nds--kn[n lat] simply z h\nds--7 ( v>i\s k9ds4 ,9 ! ,ma/] ( ,game x says3 ,!re be also _m k9ds ( runn+ h\nds1 "s small & "s big1 & ! small be call$ k5ets1 & ^! h\nds run well to all mann] ( game1 & !y 7t7 s]ve = all game m5 call !m h>ri]s4 ,& e h\nd t ha? t c\rage w come to be a h>ri] by nature ) little mak+4 ,h>ri] 0 9 ^? days spelt heyr]1 & x 0 n until aft] ! sixte5? c5tury t ! mod]n spell+ came into vogue4 ,x 0 probably d]iv$ f ! ,anglo-,saxon h]ian1 to h>ry or di/urb4 ,9 ! ,boke ( ,/ ,albans x says t ! h>t1 ! buck1 & ! bo> %\ld be />t$ by a lim]1 & t all o!r be/es t huntyd %all be s\ght = & f\nd by ,rat*es s free4 ,?us x appe>s t all bea/s t 7 en*as$ 7 mov$ by a lime-h\nd1 :ile ^? t 7 hunt$ up 7 f\nd by ra*es4 ,! ott]-hunt+ illu/ration 9 ! ,ma/] ( ,game %[s five h\nds1 "o ( :i* is on lea%1 & appe>s to be a lim]4 ,! ott] 0 c]ta9ly n en*as$ 9 ^? days1 be+ look$ ^u z v]m91 yet z ! picture %[s a lim] at "w1 x is possible t lime-h\nds 7 sometimes us$ = o!r game ?an ! recognis$ bea/s ( *ase4 ,! h\nd %[n swimm+ ! ott] is bloodh\nd-l1 :ile two small] h\nds appe> to h brok5 coats4 ,9 ! f\rte5? c5tury ! ott] & v>i\s o!r creatures1 su* z ! rabbit1 fox1 wild cat1 etc41 7 hunt$ by biss hunt]s 7fur hunt]s7 = _! sk9s1 & no d\bt ! small] bre$ ( h\nds !n kn[n z heyr]s 7 employ$ 9 _! capture4 ,com+ d[n to mod]n times1 !re are1 z f> z we are aw>e1 b two exi/+ ott]h\nd packs entirely compos$ ( pure1 r\gh-coat$ ott]h\nds4 ,all o!r e/abli%m5ts employ mix$ packs4 ,cross-br$ h\nds are usually ! result ( a union betwe5 a pure ott]h\nd bit* & a foxh\nd4 ,! majority ( foxh\nds :i* f9d _! way to ! ott]h\nd k5nels h be5 draft$ = ov]-height1 age1 or faults4 ,!y are (t5 pres5t$ to ! ,m4,o4,h41 or he buys !m at a l[ figure4 ,hav+ pur*as$ or o!rwise got toge!r suffici5t h\nds to make a />t1 y c gradually we$ !m out1 reta9+ ! be/ work]s = future bre$+ op]ations4 ,x is p]haps unnecess>y to /ate t y mu/ h a c\ple or two ( ent]$ h\nds to beg9 )1 o!rwise y are likely to walk z f> z ! ,rev4 ,jack ,russell did be=e y f9d an ott]4 ,z reg>ds cross-br$ h\nds1 ! fir/ cross may be capital work]s1 b x is d\btful if mu* good comes f bre$+ f !m4 ,"o sees all %apes1 makes1 & sizes ( r\gh h\nds 9 ! v>i\s packs1 b ! be/ br$ ones are big1 up/&+ animals1 f tw5ty-two to tw5ty-f\r or m in*es 9 height4 ,speak+ f our own exp]i5ce1 we h f\nd ! majority ( r\gh h\nds to be mu* m clumsy & less active ?an foxh\nds4 ,_! feet1 too1 are (t5 incl9$ to be op5 & flat1 & !y lack ! he>t & /am9a ( ! foxh\nd4 ,!re are1 ( c\rse1 exceptions1 & we h come across r\gh h\nds t 7 capital work]s1 b take !m all r\nd !y are too big & clumsy1 at any rate = "w on r\gh1 rocky /reams4 ,despite _! r\gh jackets1 !y suff] f ! effects ( long imm]sion 9 wat] f> m ?an ! foxh\nd1 ^: %ort1 smoo? coat is dry aft] a %ake or two4 ,9 addition !y are n su* good do]s z ! foxh\nd1 & require m att5tion aft] hunt+4 ,!y are also apt to be qu>relsome 9 k5nel4 ,_m ( !m possess extremely f9e noses1 & c speak to a l9e a day or two old1 b ?is is ( no practical help 9 hunt+1 because x is impossible to drag up to an ott] t has be5 s long gone4 ,!y swim well1 & (t5 draw well :5 swimm+1 b ! foxh\nd is q _! equal 9 ?is respect4 ,9 our exp]i5ce ! h\nd t c w9d 8 ott] across ! /ream & g /raight to him is m (t5 a foxh\nd ?an a r\gh h\nd4 ,illu/ration3 ,a ,fam\s ,ott]h\nd1 ,mr ,w4 ,?ompson's ,sn[drop4 7,photo by ,r4 ,clapham74 ,illu/ration3 ,"s ( ,mr ,w4 ,?ompson's ,r\gh ,ott]h\nds4 7,photo by ,r4 ,clapham74 ,to face p4 #aaf4 ,! foxh\nd1 too1 is usually a bett] m>k] once he has ent]$ prop]ly1 & :5 x comes to hold+ & kill+ an ott]1 ! r\gh h\nd _c comp>e ) him4 ,across c\ntry1 too1 & :5 an ott] runs ?r\gh cov]t1 ! foxh\nd's da% & drive at once put him 9 ! lead4 ,! r\gh h\nd has a resonant1 musical voice1 & a picturesque appe>ance1 b tak+ him all r\nd1 f a solely work+ po9t ( view1 he is1 9 our humble op9ion1 inf]ior to ! foxh\nd1 p>ticul>ly on r\gh1 rocky riv]s1 :]e a light-built1 active type ( h\nd %[s to advantage4 ,cu/om orda9s t h\nds = ott]-hunt+ %\ld be r\gh jacket$1 & by employ+ cross-br$ or r\gh ,wel% foxh\nds y get ! r\gh coat1 )\t ! undesirable qualities f\nd 9 ! pure ott]h\nds4 ,! latt] %[ to ! be/ advantage 9 l[-ly+ c\ntry1 :]e ! riv]s are sl[ runn+1 & ! go+ easy4 ,9 ^! days1 :5 meets are late & "t is valuable1 pure ott]h\nds ) _! t5d] noses dwell & revel on ! drag in/ead ( pu%+ =w>d4 ,! foxh\nd1 on ! o!r h&1 may fea!r on a /ale l9e1 b he w n z a rule op5 unless ! drag is fairly fre%4 ,:5 he does ?r[ 8 tongue1 y c confid5tly *e] ! o!rs to him1 kn[+ t y\r ott] is n s v f> 9 front4 ,al?\gh we _c d5y t ! deep1 resonant music ( a pack ( pure ott]h\nds is delightful to li/5 to1 some?+ m ?an ! b& is requir$ to kill an ott]4 ,foxh\nds1 cross-br$s1 & ,wel% h\nds ?r[ _! tongues well en\gh1 & 9 addition !y possess da% & drive1 ) little or no incl9ation to dwell4 ,foxh\nds1 be=e !y h ent]$ prop]ly1 draw wide & w n always /ick to ! riv]1 b if !y h done a few season's /ag-hunt+--?us be+ us$ to wat] "w--!y g5]ally ent] well to ott] & draw closely en\gh4 ,a h\nd may n take any int]e/ 9 ! sport dur+ 8 fir/ season1 b ! foll[+ season he may prove to be "o ( ! be/4 ,un=tunately ! majority ( draft foxh\nds are ag$ be=e !y f9d _! way to ! ott]h\nd k5nels1 !re=e any l5g?y delay 9 ent]+ to _! new qu>ry %ort5s ! p]iod ( _! usefulness1 t at ! be/ _c be v long4 ,ag$ foxh\nds aft] a "t %[ an incl9ation to dwell & revel 9 ! sc5t1 & :5 ?is happ5s x is a sign t _! utility is com+ to an end4 ,if possible always get hold ( foxh\nds :i* ?r[ _! tongues freely1 & h no?+ :atev] to d ) a mute h\nd4 ,h[ev] closely y keep an eye on ! latt]1 he w soon] or lat] get away on 8 own1 & be ! means ( spoil+ m ?an "o good hunt4 ,no matt] h[ good a mute h\nd is 9 8 "w1 get rid ( him1 = unless he lets y "k :at he is do+ he is useless to y4 ,likewise1 nev] on any consid]ation be tempt$ to bre$ f a mute h\nd4 ,r\gh ott]h\nds _c /& puni%m5t l ! foxh\nd1 & w h[l & kick up a dreadful racket if hurt1 or hit ) ! :ip = "s fault4 ,x is dur+ ! c\rse ( a long hunt 9 heavy or *illy wat] t ! av]age r\gh ott]h\nd w pull out & sit %iv]+ on ! bank1 :ile ! foxh\nds are keep+ _! ott] on ! move4 ,9 our exp]i5ce1 ! foxh\nd is a mu* bett] fre%-f9d] ?an ! pure ott]h\nd1 & x is ! h\nds good at fre%-f9d+ & keep+ _! ott] go+ t d mo/ t[>ds br++ ! qu>ry to h&4 ,at ! end ( a long day1 too1 ! cross-br$s & foxh\nds w return to k5nels ) _! /]ns up1 :ile _m ( ! r\gh sort exhibit a v depress$ appe>ance4 ,!y nev] seem to pick _! feet up l a foxh\nd1 b %uffle ab\t 9 an unga9ly fa%ion4 ,:5 x comes to kill+ an ott]1 ! foxh\nd has x all 8 own way4 ,"t & aga9 we h se5 him seize & hold a big ott]1 (t5 %ak+ 8 qu>ry l a fox4 ,! r\gh h\nd (t5 fails 9 ?is respect1 = he has n ! c\rage to make him a good seiz] & kill]4 ,a foxh\nd :i* comes to ! ott]h\nd k5nels ) ! reputation ( be+ a good m>k] ne>ly always keeps up 8 fame 9 ! same way :5 ent]$ to ott]4 ,good m>k+ h\nds are ! ma9/ay ( any pack4 ,z f> z bra9s are conc]n$1 ! foxh\nd appe>s to make m use ( 8 grey matt] ?an ! r\gh h\nd1 & %[s m initiative & individuality4 ,8 pace & activity1 too1 are beyond "q1 bo? ( :i* qualities are ( ! greate/ assi/ance :5 swimm+ an ott]1 & m p>ticul>ly :5 hunt+ "o across c\ntry or ?r\gh ext5sive cov]ts4 ,x is ! active h\nds :i* score s (t5 on r\gh & rocky riv]s1 = drive & pace are an occasion q z necess>y 9 ott]-hunt+ z fox-hunt+4 ,! cross betwe5 foxh\nd & r\gh ott]h\nd possesses _m ( ! attributes ( ! =m]1 includ+ a r\gh jacket1 & ?us is admirably fitt$ = ! pursuit ( ,lutra4 ,turn+ to ,wel% h\nds1 "s ( :i* h r\gh1 & o!rs smoo? coats1 we f9d a bre$ admirably suit$ to bo? fox & ott]-hunt+4 ,_m ,wel% h\nds are :ite or ne>ly s1 :ile o!rs are ! old black-&-tan col\r4 ,! ,engli% foxh\nd ( /&>d type is bigg] & has m sub/ance ?an ! ,wel% h\nd1 b ! latt] excels 9 nose & tongue1 & c /& any am\nt ( h>d "w 9 r\gh c\ntry4 ,9 our exp]i5ce1 too1 ,wel% h\nds--p>ticul>ly ^? ( ! small] type--are v active1 & h pl5ty ( drive1 :ile !y are (t5 capital m>k]s1 & c hold & kill an ott] q z quickly z any ,engli% foxh\nd4 ,ano!r type ( h\nd admirably suit$ to ott]-hunt+ is ! fell-foxh\nd ( ,cumb]l& & ,we/morl&4 ,he is = ! mo/ "p a light-built1 active sort1 ) a capital nose1 & any am\nt ( tongue4 ,9 ! ,lakes & c]ta9 di/ricts adjo9+1 fell-h\nds (t5 hunt fox 9 w9t] & ott] 9 summ]4 ,! fell-h\nds are k5nell$ 9 ! fox-hunt+ season1 b g out to walk 9 summ]1 & g5]ally a few c\ples are l5t to ! local ott]h\nds = ! *ase ( ,lutra4 ,9 our exp]i5ce fell-h\nds ent] quickly to ott]1 & on our r\gh & rocky nor!rn riv]s !y are v h>d to beat z all r\nd p]=m]s4 ,_m ( !m are capital m>k]s1 & !y w hunt a drag1 & kill an ott] ) ! be/4 ,turn+ to ! ,ott]-hunt+ ,di>y ( ! late ,mr ,james ,lomax1 ( ,clayton ,hall1 :o kept a pack f #ahbi to #ahga1 we f9d an illu/ration ( ! old ,lanca%ire h>ri] or f\m>t-h\nd4 ,! picture %[s a c\ple ( r\gh-hair$ h\nds 9 full cry1 :i* appe> a m$ium-siz$1 light-built1 active type2 m sugge/ive ( ! r\gh ,wel% foxh\nd ?an ! mod]n ott]h\nd4 ,mr ,lomax us$ ^! f\m>t-h\nds 9 cross+ ) 8 ott]h\nds4 ,9 ano!r illu/ration1 %[+ "s ( ! pack 9 #ahce1 ! type ( h\nd appe>s to be light]-built & m active-look+ ?an ! big1 pres5t-day r\gh ott]h\nd4 ,! t5d5cy ) ,engli% foxh\nds has be5 to bre$ !m mu* bigg] ?an 0 ! case 9 =m] ye>s1 & ! same app>5tly applies to ! r\gh ott]h\nd4 ,c]ta9ly a tall h\nd c wade :]e a small] h\nd is oblig$ to swim1 b a m$ium-siz$1 active type is less clumsy1 & m fitt$ = "w on rocky /reams ?an ! heavy h\nds n[ se5 9 mo/ packs4 ,f a purely work+ po9t ( view1 a pack compos$ ( ,engli%1 ,wel%1 & fell-foxh\nds w\ld be v h>d to beat4 ,by judici\s cross+1 an ideal pack c\ld be br$1 reta9+ to a great ext5t ! r\gh coat ( ! ,wel% h\nd1 if t 0 ?\ght indisp5sable to ! appe>ance ( ! pack4 ,al?\gh draft foxh\nds are g5]ally us$ = ott]-hunt+1 x pays to get hold ( a bit* or two & bre$ f !m4 ,by s do+ y c gradually get toge!r a pack compos$ ( h\nds ( ! desir$ sort1 & if y are lucky y may be able to hunt fox ) !m 9 ! w9t]1 & ?us keep h\nds 9 condition = _! summ] "w4 ,h\nds1 l human be+s1 get v f$-up ) cont9ual road ex]cise1 !re=e a bit ( w9t] hunt+ appeals to !m f> m ?an ! dull r\t9e ( ex]cise walks4 ,next 9 importance to ! h\nds are ! t]ri]s1 = )\t _! help x w\ld be impossible to eject an ott] f 8 holt4 ,! mo/ important quality 9 a t]ri] is gam5ess1 = no matt] h[ well built he is1 if he has n ! c\rage to g bel[ gr\nd & /ay ) 8 ott] until ! latt] bolts1 or ! digg]s une>? him1 he is n wor? 8 keep4 ,provid$ he is ?or\ghly game1 & n too big1 x matt]s n h[ a t]ri] is br$4 ,he is !re to "w1 & n to be look$ at4 ,r\ghly speak+1 a t]ri] ( ab\t #ad lb4 weight w be suit$ to ott]-hunt+4 ,z1 ap>t f bolt+ ott]s1 he w n be call$ ^u to d any great am\nt ( travell+ ov] r\gh c\ntry1 %ort legs are no great drawback to him4 ,= all t1 h[ev]1 we l to see a t]ri] ) a fair l5g? ( leg1 = !re are c]ta9 holts1 p>ticul>ly among/ rocks1 :]e an ott] c comm& ! upp] position1 & a %ort-legg$ t]ri] is mu* h&icapp$ :5 try+ to get at him4 ,a t]ri] %\ld h a fair head & jaw1 & he %\ld be z n>r[ 9 front z is compatible ) adequate he>t & lung room4 ,a n>r[-front$ dog c always get into a small] place ?an a broad-*e/$ "o1 ev5 if he is long] on ! leg4 ,a t]ri] t w lie up close to an ott] & move him ) 8 tongue is pref]able to "o t goes /raight 9 to ! attack4 ,8 b>k+ ev5tually gets on ! ott]'s n]ves & causes him to get out ( t1 :ile %\ld ! ott] refuse to bolt1 ! t]ri]'s voice is a guide z to :]e to dig4 ,a t]ri] soon le>ns 8 job1 & aft] gett+ maul$ a "t or two by ott]s1 he w make m use ( 8 tongue ?an 8 tee?4 ,:5 ent]+ a puppy = ! fir/ "t1 *oose an easy place1 s t ! y\ng/] has a fair *ance to get 9 t\* ) 8 ott]4 ,z to ! col\r ( a t]ri]1 good ones--l horses--come 9 all col\rs4 ,:ite is p]haps pref]able1 z a :ite t]ri] is less likely to be mi/ak5 = ! ott] by h\nds at a kill4 ,c]ta9ly :ite t]ri]s appe> to suff] few] casualties 9 ?is respect ?an col\r$ ones4 ,z to :e!r t]ri]s %\ld run loose ) h\nds is a "q ! ,ma/] mu/ settle = himself4 ,:5 t]ri]s are loose1 !re is always ! *ance t cubs may be *opp$ by !m1 ?\gh to set aga9/ su* a contretemps1 _m an ott] is f\nd & put d[n by ! t]ri]s4 ,aga91 col\r$ t]ri]s runn+ loose may be kill$ or badly maul$ by h\nds1 :5 ! latt] are h>d at _! ott]4 ,dur+ ! season ( #aiba1 ) ! ,k4 & ,d4,o4,h41 we _h two col\r$ t]ri]s worri$ by h\nds1 "o ( :i* recov]$ b ! o!r di$ ! same night4 ,! ott]1 :i* 0 gett+ beat1 took to l&1 & h\nds coll>$ him z he left ! wat]1 ! t]ri]s be+ seiz$ by "s ( ! pack 9 mi/ake = _! qu>ry4 ,_h ^? t]ri]s be5 9 ! c\ples at ! "t1 !y w\ld h be5 sav$4 ,x is really safe/ to lead ! t]ri]s until !y are want$1 & aft] bolt+ _! ott] !y %\ld be got hold ( aga9 z soon z possible4 ,! same :5 h\nds are worry+ _! ott]1 always pick up ! t]ri]s if any ( !m are loose4 ,9 ord] t h\nds %all keep fit & well1 !y mu/ receive prop] att5tion 9 ! k5nel4 ,less fle% is ne$$ = fe$+ ott]h\nds ?an foxh\nds1 because !y d _! "w 9 summ]1 & bo? ! season ( ! ye> & ! "w itself d n make s great a call on _! p[]s z does ! *ase ( ! fox 9 w9t]4 ,dur+ ! (f season1 ott]h\nds %\ld be ex]cis$ = two or ?ree h\rs daily1 & z ! hunt+ season approa*es ! ex]cise c be gradually l5g!n$4 ,) a pack ( cross-br$1 ,wel%1 or ,engli% foxh\nds1 x is possible to hunt ott]s 9 summ] & fox 9 w9t]1 & :]e ?is c be done1 h\nds w1 ( c\rse1 keep p]fectly fit4 ,9 ! case ( ! fell-foxh\nds1 ^? hunt+ ott] 9 summ] return to _! own k5nels = ! w9t] fox-cat*+4 ,z f> z food is conc]n$1 ?is %\ld always be giv5 ?ick1 r ?an s(t & sloppy4 ,h\nds spla% slop into _! eyes1 & get p>ticles ( x up _! no/rils1 to ! detrim5t ( bo? sight & olfactory p[]s4 ,on ! return f hunt+1 cuts & bruises %\ld be att5d$ to1 & ?orns1 etc41 extract$4 ,h\nds' coats %\ld also be bru%$1 & burrs1 etc41 remov$4 ,r\gh h\nds require m look+ aft] 9 ?is respect ?an smoo?-coat$ ones4 ,! huntsman %\ld see t 8 h\nds are f$ & prop]ly b$d$ d[n be=e he att5ds to 8 own wants4 ,if h\nds look well & hunt well1 y c re/ assur$ t y\r huntsman or fe$] is pay+ prop] att5tion to ! pack 9 k5nel4 ,z reg>ds k5nels1 ^! ne$ n be ( an exp5sive nature1 b ! dra9age & g5]al sanitation mu/ be adequate if h\nds are to keep fit4 ,:]ev] wa/e matt] is pres5t1 ei!r 9 ! boil+ h\se1 fe$+ place1 or y>ds1 !re w disease g]ms ga!r1 & compla9ts among/ h\nds w be = ev] break+ out4 ,! old adage ,cleanl9ess is next to godl9ess applies z mu* to h\nds & _! k5nels z x does to human be+s & _! h\ses4 ,"s huntsm5 are apt to let h\nds get v mu* out ( condition dur+ ! w9t] mon?s1 in/ead ( ex]cis+ regul>ly1 :i* means t on ! approa* ( ! hunt+ season all sorts ( physic is us$ 9 an attempt to get !m fit aga94 ,x is q safe to say t ! less m$ic9e y employ ab\t ! k5nels ! bett]1 & !re w be little or no ne$ = x if h\nds are rationally f$ & ex]cis$ 9 ! w9t]4 ,,*apt] ,v ,,rem9isc5ces ,!re are v few ,ma/]s 9 ! c\ntry :o hunt fox 9 w9t] & ott] 9 summ] ) ! same h\nds1 & few] /ill we imag9e :o h kill$ an ott] & a fox on ! same day4 ,! latt] feat 0 p]=m$ by ! ,ma/] ( ! ,s\? ,tetcott1 ^: h\nds f\nd & kill$ an ott] on ! ,riv] ,o!ry1 aft] :i* !y unk5nell$ a fox cub1 & aft] rattl+ him ab\t a bit1 ev5tually br\ght him to h&4 ,"o ( ! few packs hunt+ bo? fox & ott] is ! ,yns=1 a private pack own$ by ,major ,evan ,jones4 ,8 c\ntry lies 9 ,c>n>von & ,m]ione?1 ,sn[don & ! adjo9+ m\nta9s ly+ )9 its bord]s4 ,! ,ma/] is 8 own huntsman1 & h\nds are foll[$ on foot1 ow+ to ! precipit\s nature ( ! c\ntry4 ,! pack is compos$ ( ! old ,wel% bre$1 "s r\gh & "s smoo?1 ) _m ( ! old black-&-tan col\r among/ !m4 ,^! h\nds h be5 9 ,major ,jones's family s9ce #agfe4 ,probably few p h be5 out ) bo? foxh\nds & ott]h\nds on ! same day1 b we c plead guilty to hav+ accompli%$ ?is feat4 ,be=e ! ,l4,d4,o4,h4 7 disb&$1 h\nds met v e>ly "o morn+1 b fail$ to get an ott] afloat1 & :5 !y return$ to k5nels we w5t (f & jo9$ ! ,coni/on ,foxh\nds1 & ev5tually saw ,reyn>d acc\nt$ =4 ,a great _m p appe> to h a root$ idea t an ott] is a sl[-mov+1 clumsy creature1 :i* nev] leaves ! vic9ity ( wat]4 ,su* an assumption is1 to say ! lea/ ( x1 inaccurate1 z anyone c easily te/ify1 p>ticul>ly ^? :o h done mu* ott]-hunt+ on ! rocky riv]s ( ! nor?4 ,9 a previ\s *apt] we h m5tion$ a hunt dur+ :i* ! ott] cross$ a wat]%$1 & ?is br+s to m9d a sev5 & a half h\rs' hunt by ! ,k4 & ,d4,o4,h4 on ! ,riv] ,lune 9 ! season ( #aiba4 ,! ott] 0 ly+ r\gh 9 a hang+ wood ov]look+ ! riv]1 & 0 f\nd by a little fell-foxh\nd nam$ ,cragsman1 belong+ to ! ,ullswat] pack4 ,aft] "s up & d[n "w on ! riv]1 our ott] /ole away on l&1 & cross$ "s fields to a small /ream :i* runs betwe5 /eep banks4 ,!re 0 a scream+ sc5t1 & h\nds fairly flew 9 pursuit4 ,! ott] ran ! small /ream ne>ly to ! top ( ! ghyll1 !n turn$ & came back4 ,9 a rock-b\nd pool he lay l[1 b h\nds 7 soon at him aga94 ,! pool lay betwe5 smoo? & slipp]y walls ( rock1 & at fir/ ! ott] b>ely %[$ 8 nose4 ,sudd5ly1 h[ev]1 he made a t]rific spr+--8 h9d legs no d\bt gett+ pur*ase on a l$ge bel[ ! surface ( ! wat]--& all b got cle> ( ! pool4 ,he hung = a brief in/ant on ! rock wall1 mak+ ! picture ( a lifetime = anyone lucky en\gh to h be5 !re ) a cam]a1 !n he turn$ & fell ) a spla% into ! pool4 ,x 0 a miracle h[ he got cle>1 b get away he did to run ! fields aga91 & take refuge 9 a rabbit burr[ on ! bank ( ! ma9 riv]4 ,h\nds 7 tak5 away1 & aft] a bit ( "w ! t]ri]s bolt$ him4 ,he took d[n /ream1 & aft] ! pack 0 laid on1 a c\ple ( h\nds coll>$ him on ! %all[s4 ,he appe>$ to fl+ ^! h\nds (f z if !y 7 /raws1 !n he %ot into a pool1 rais+ a spla% & a wake l a hydroplane z he cross$ x4 ,rea*+ ! f>!r bank1 he at once took to ! hang+ wood1 & w5t /raight up x4 ,he ga9$ a %ort />t by ?is manoeuvre1 !n ! pack 0 ro>+ 9 8 wake4 ,runn+ ! wood l a fox1 x look$ at fir/ z if he 0 go+ "r out at ! top1 b he turn$ & came d[n aga91 cross$ ! riv] & took refuge 9 a /rong root holt4 ,"s "t 0 sp5t digg+ be=e he c\ld be eject$1 & :5 he 0 at la/ oblig$ to bolt1 he aga9 w5t /raight across ! riv] & took to ! wood4 ,h\nds drove him r\nd x1 & he once m took ! wat]4 ,"h he ent]$ a long b n v deep pool1 & h\nds swam him d[n x1 !n he turn$ & h\nds *eck$4 ,!re 0 little or no cov] on ! banks1 b he got out )\t be+ se51 ! fir/ w>n+ we _h ( 8 dep>ture be+ giv5 by a "y1 r\gh h\nd :i* hit (f 8 l9e 9 ! wood4 ,?is "t he ran /raight out to ! top ( ! cov]t1 turn$ left-h&$ & cross$ ! op5 fields = m ?an a mile1 j beat+ h\nds to a dra91 ! grat+ ( :i* _h be5 mov$1 :]e he got 9 & 0 ev5tually left4 ,we view$ ?is ott] sev]al times at close qu>t]s1 & e/imat$ 8 weight at ne>] #cj lb4 ?an #be lb4 ,he %[$ extraord9>y runn+ p[]s & activity = s l>ge an ott]1 & x 0 h>d luck on h\nds t he beat !m4 ,!re 0 a scream+ sc5t on l&1 b :5 he took ! wat] = ! la/ "t1 h\nds _h "s difficulty 9 own+ ! wa%4 ,t ott] w\ld mo/ c]ta9ly h conv9c$ anyone :o 0 sceptical ( ,lutra's activity & runn+ p[]s4 ,we h already m5tion$ ! fondness t ott]s h--p>ticul>ly 9 ,canada--= slid+4 ,:5 engag$ 9 ?is amusem5t1 !y tuck _! =elegs 91 & toboggan d[n ! bank on _! /oma*s4 ,?is season 7#aiba71 :il/ ! ,coni/on ,foxh\nds 7 hunt+ on ! fells1 a c\ple & a half ( h\nds ran a fox 9 ! direction ( an e>? on :i* "s ( ! field 7 /&+4 ,ab\t ! same "t1 an ott] sudd5ly ran out f "s rocks ne> ! ma9 e>?1 & aft] go+ "s di/ance1 tuck$ 9 its head & =elegs1 & actually roll$ "s y>ds d[nhill4 ,we 7 on ! opposite side ( ! valley at ! "t1 b a v ke5 & exp]i5c$ fox & ott] hunt] :o 0 !re1 & witness$ ! incid5t1 said t he _h nev] se5 any?+ l x be=e 9 8 life4 ,a "n to conjure ) 9 ! annals ( ,lakel& ott]-hunt+ is t ( ! late ,bobby ,tr\ghton4 ,he 0 born on ,fellside1 ,k5dal1 9 #ahcf4 ,9 ! e>ly eighties he pur*as$ ?ree h\nds1 ,raleigh1 ,ragman1 & ,londesbor\gh1 & ) ^! ?ree h\nds & a c\ple ( t]ri]s he began to hunt ! local riv]s4 ,hav+ ?us =m$ ! nucleus ( a pack1 he gradually add$ to x & improv$ x1 until ! late ,mr ,c\rt5ay ,tracy1 ,m4,o4,h41 said !re 0 n ano!r pack l x 9 ,engl&4 ,bobby's heavie/ ott] 0 a big dog weigh+ #cb lb41 & 0 kill$ 9 ,rydal ,lake4 ,"o ( 8 mo/ fam\s hunts took place 9 ,lev]'s ,wat] on ! ,coni/on fells4 ,h\nds met at #e a4m4 at ! foot ( ,yewdale ,beck1 & /rik+ a hot drag at once1 w5t out t[>ds ! hills4 ,ne> ! edge ( ! t>n !y put _! ott] d[n1 & he at once took to ! wat]4 ,= n9e h\rs he kept h\nds go+1 & x 0 n until "s ( ! field volunte]$ to g to ,coni/on = a boat--no small und]tak+--t ,bobby 0 able to get afloat himself1 & give 8 h\nds a help+ h&4 ,at long la/ ! ott] attempt$ to l&1 & h\nds coll>$ him1 ?us e>n+ _! rew>d4 ,illu/ration3 ,k4 ,d4,o4,h4 ,mov+ ,(f to ,draw4 7,copyright by ,r4 ,f4 ,lees1 ,blackpool74 ,illu/ration3 ,go+ to ! ,meet by ,f]ry on ,lake ,w9d]m]e4 7,photo by ,r4 ,clapham74 ,to face p4 #aci4 ,at "o "t 9 ! nor?1 packs ( r\gh h\nds 7 kept = hunt+ ott]1 m>t51 & f\m>t4 ,"o ( ! la/ ( ^! packs to hunt 9 ! ,lake ,di/rict belong$ to ! late ,mr ,flem+ ,gre51 ( ,grasm]e4 ,an?ony ,*apman1 :o 0 8 huntsman1 & lat] hunt$ ! ,w9d]m]e ,h>ri]s = _m seasons1 is /ill hale & he>ty1 & delights 9 a crack ab\t old times4 ,ano!r well-kn[n ,ma/] 9 ! nor? 0 ! late ,mr ,james ,lomax1 ( ,clayton ,hall1 ,great ,h>wood1 ,lanca%ire4 ,8 ,ott]-hunt+ ,di>y conta9s an acc\nt ( ! sport he enjoy$ f #ahbi to #ahga1 & is mo/ int]e/+ read+4 ,l ,bobby ,tr\ghton 9 lat] ye>s1 he br$ a v p]fect pack ( h\nds ( ! r\gh-coat$ type4 ,9 #ahga rabies un=tunately broke out 9 8 k5nels1 necessitat+ ! de/ruction ( all b ?ree ( ! h\nds4 ,be+ himself advanc$ 9 ye>s1 he made no attempt to />t a new pack1 despite ! _m (f]s ( h\nds he receiv$1 & "o _c blame him4 ,by ! "t he _h got toge!r ano!r pack z good z ! "o he _h lo/1 he w\ld z he said himself h be5 too old to foll[ & enjoy ! sport4 ,mr ,lomax always met v e>ly 9 ! morn+1 (t5 z soon z #c a4m4 ,he %[$ wond]ful sport on ,ribble1 ,lune1 & _m o!r riv]s1 & old m5 :o c rememb] hunt+ ) him1 speak 9 gl[+ t]ms ( ! great hunts !y enjoy$ ) 8 pack4 ,9 "o respect ,mr ,lomax diff]$ f pres5t-day ,ma/]s1 i4e41 9 ! practice ( sack+ ott]s & remov+ !m to m huntable wat]s4 ,!re are 9 ! di>y1 sev]al in/ances record$ ( su* ott]s hav+ di$1 s t ! practice 0 n a pr(itable "o4 ,! mo/ fam\s ott]-hunt] ,scotl& has ev] se5 0 ! late ,mr ,waldron ,hill1 ( ,murrayfield ,h\se1 ne> ,ed9burgh4 ,:5 q a "y man he contract$ consumption1 & 0 told by 8 doctors t he _h n long to live4 ,no?+ daunt$1 h[ev]1 ,mr ,hill took to ott]-hunt+1 & ! sport agre$ ) him s well1 t he hunt$ practically e riv] 9 ,scotl&1 & liv$ to be f> advanc$ 9 ye>s4 ,:5 ! ,we/ ,lo?ian ,foxh\nds 7 9 exi/5ce1 ,mr ,hill us$ to run ) !m1 & saw z mu* sport z mo/ ( ! m\nt$ brigade4 ,9 ,field & ,f]n1 ,! ,druid wrote reg>d+ ,mr ,hill3 ,"s ye>s ago he _h a pack ( ott]h\nds 9 ,monm\?%ire1 ( ! ,wel% bre$1 smoo? & :ite ) yell[ e>s2 = ! la/ five ye>s he has _h black & tans1 a cross betwe5 ! bloodh\nd & r\gh ,lanca%ire h\nd1 :i* is us$ 9 t c\ntry = ott] & f\m>t4 ,_! nose is ne>ly equal to ! ,lanca%ire h\nd1 :o are unrivall$ 9 ?is respect & nev] dispos$ to be tonguey4 ,! bloodh\nd cross also makes !m m savage 9 _! worry1 b !y are (t5 v unpleasant to manage 9 k5nel4 ,mr ,hill has f\nd ! foxh\nd fail 9 work+ up to 8 ott] 9 a cold drag1 b excell5t on ! l9e :5 ! game is fairly />t$4 ,) him ! s\!rn h\nd has only fail$ f lack ( con/itution1 :i* is injur$ by too mu* swimm+4 ,mr ,hill us$ t]ri]s ( ,wel% bre$1 :i* he got f ! k5nels ( ,mr ,ramsay ,williams1 aft] ! latt]'s dea?4 ,^! t]ri]s weigh$ ab\t #ae lb41 & 7 br$ z flat-sid$ z possible to enable !m to squeeze into n>r[ places4 ,!y 7 fairly long on ! leg1 & 7 us$ = bolt+ fox1 ott]1 m>t51 & f\m>t4 ,mr ,hill's pr9cipal riv] 0 ! ,tyne1 fl[+ ?r\gh ,hadd+ton%ire4 ,speak+ ( ! ,s\? ,esk1 ,! ,druid says3 ,la/ ,augu/ x 0 ! sc5e ( a v rem>kable run1 z ! ott] only t\*$ ! wat] twice = a few m9utes ?r\gh\t a run ( eight or n9e miles1 & 0 ev5tually pull$ d[n 9 ! he>t ( "o ( ! ,ea/ ,lo?ian fox-:9s4 ,reg>d+ a long drag ) ,mr ,hill's h\nds1 ,! ,druid says3 ,9 '#fb ! h\nds hit ^u "o at ! ,clutby ,dam res]voir on ! nor? side ( ! ,p5tl&s1 & hunt$ him ?r\gh ! %eep-dra9s "r ov] ! ,p5tl&s1 d[n to ! res]voir at ,/ ,ca!r9e's4 ,he _h gone ?r\gh x on ! nor? side1 & f !re d[n ! ,gl5corn burn1 ne>ly to ! ,nor? ,esk4 ,leav+ ?is = ano!r burn across ! c\ntry1 he head$ back to ! res]voir at ,/ ,ca!r9e's1 :]e1 on acc\nt ( ! wat] be+ too high1 he c\ld n be mov$4 ,?is ott] mu/ h travell$ ne>ly tw5ty miles dur+ ! night1 & x 0 well = ,mr ,hill t 8 t]ri]s 7 long-legg$2 & t he himself is always 9 condition summ] or w9t]1 or he w\ld h se5 no?+ ( ! fun on t hot & v wet ,septemb] morn+4 ,we wond] h[ f> ! memb]s ( a mod]n ott]-hunt+ field w\ld get1 if ask$ to foll[ h\nds on a hot drag = tw5ty miles8 ,n f> we'll w>rant1 = mo/ ( !m w\ld swe> t h\nds 7 on a fox4 ,p :o incauti\sly tail an ott] are v apt to get bitt51 & reg>d+ ?is ,! ,druid says3 ,9 all ^! =ays ,mr ,hill has nev] got heavily bitt5 himself2 b _m ye>s ago1 :5 he 0 hunt+ on ! ,k5vy ne> ,ab]gav5ny1 ! ott] came out ( ! wat] j be=e x 0 kill$1 made /raight at ! :ip1 :o 0 a few y>ds (f 8 ma/]1 %ook him savagely by ! tr\s]s1 & !n pass$ on4 ,we h he>d p say t an ott] makes no spla% :5 div+ or o!rwise ent]+ ! wat]4 ,c]ta9ly at times he does n make mu* ( a di/urbance1 = 8 s9u\s body is built = swimm+1 b :5 play+ 9 ! wat]1 or :5 hunt$1 he spla%es q a lot4 ,we 7 on "o occasion wat*+ ! m\? ( a dra9 on ! riv] ,lune1 9 :i* ! t]ri]s 7 bait+ an ott]4 ,9 front ( ?is dra9 0 a r[ ( will[ trees4 ,/&+ quietly a y>d or s to "o side ( ! dra9 entrance we at la/ saw ! ott] %[ himself4 ,he /ood at ! dra9 m\? sniff+ ! air1 ! muscles work+ 8 ?ick :isk]s1 giv+ 8 face a v puff$ out appe>ance4 ,he>+ or see+ "s ( ! field on ! opposite bank ( ! riv] he turn$ r\nd & w5t back up ! dra94 ,a fairly long int]val elaps$1 & we 7 j b5d+ d[n to li/5 at ! dra9 m\?1 :51 )\t ! slighte/ w>n+ ! ott] %ot out1 & leapt /raight ?r\gh ! will[ tree1 to l& 9 ! wat] ) a spla% l a sack ( oats4 ,f :]e he took (f1 to ! po9t :]e he hit ! riv]1 con/itut$ a rem>kable jump1 & he mu/ h be5 com+ pretty fa/ :5 he %ot out ( ! dra94 ,on ano!r occasion at ! same dra91 :i* is a fav\rite resort ( ott]s1 ! t]ri]s 7 at "w1 & an op5+ _h be5 made into ! dra9 at "s di/ance f ! riv]4 ,we 7 wat*+ ! dra9 m\?1 & aft] a bit ! ott] %[$ himself1 b w5t back4 ,! bank :]e we /ood 0 high1 & !re 0 a c]ta9 am\nt ( rubbi% 9 ! way ( dead bran*es1 etc41 p>tially cov]+ ! dra9 m\?4 ,be+ bel[ ! bank we c\ld n see :at 0 happ5+ 9 ! field1 & we 7 greatly a/oni%$ :5 a big ott] sudd5ly ru%$ ov] ! edge ( ! bank1 ne>ly on top ( u1 scrambl$ ?r\gh ! bran*es1 & disappe>$ up ! dra94 ,! t]ri]s _h bolt$ him 9 ! field1 & we1 ( c\rse1 7 unaw>e ( :at 0 happ5+4 ,?is ott] f9ally em]g$ at ! dra9 m\?1 b unlike 8 pr$ecessor1 took ! wat] quietly bel[ ! will[ trees4 ,9 ,walton's description ( a morn+'s sport ) ,mr ,sadl]'s ,ott]-dogs1 ,sweetlips--"o ( ! h\nds--br+s ! c>cass ( ! ott] to ,v5ator4 ,we h on sev]al occasions se5 a h\nd seize & c>ry a dead-beat ott] a%ore4 ,?is is easily done 9 ! case ( a #ab lb4 or #ad lb4 ott]1 b x is a diff]5t matt] = a h\nd to h&le a big1 fight+ dog ott]4 ,:5 a hunt$ ott] is float+ on top ( ! wat]1 he (t5 makes a consid]able spla% if he dives 9 a hurry4 ,al?\gh p]haps n s good a climb] z "s o!r memb]s ( ! weasel family1 ! ott] is no sl\* at negotiat+ /eep1 rocky ghylls1 & c scramble ab\t 9 a wond]ful mann]4 ,x seems r h>d to acc\nt = ! fact t 9 "s seasons h\nds kill a majority ( dog ott]s1 :ile 9 o!r seasons ! total is *iefly made up ( bit*es4 ,:]e y f9d a bit* ott]1 !re is (t5 a dog )9 a mile or s1 ei!r up or d[n /ream2 & no d\bt ! two ( !m keep t p>ticul> /ret* ( wat] free f o!r lutr9e intrud]s4 ,sc5t & its vag>ies w no d\bt always be a my/]i\s problem4 ,h[ (t5 h we se5 h\nds able to hunt q well among/ ! und]gr[?1 yet :5 !y rea*$ an op5 expanse ( s& :]e ! seal ( an ott] 0 pla9ly visible1 !y h cross$ x )\t a s+le h\nd speak+4 ,an in/ance ( ?is comes to m9d dur+ ! season ( #aiba1 :5 h\nds ran well across c\ntry1 :]eas on a s&-bank1 lit]ally padd$ flat ) ott] tracks1 nev] a h\nd op5$4 ,al?\gh h\nds may sometimes travel a long way up-/ream )\t t\*+ a drag1 t does n always signify t y w n f9d4 ,an in/ance ( ?is comes to m9d :5 we 7 hunt+ a small hill-/ream4 ,h\nds _h cov]$ "s miles ( wat] )\t a sign ( a drag1 & ! field 0 becom+ r disc\rag$1 :5 sudd5ly ! pack op5$ 9 no unc]ta9 mann]1 & began te>+ at a holt on ! bank4 ,:ile h\nds 7 ?us occupi$1 ! ott] bolt$ & w5t d[n/ream1 & aft] a %ort hunt 0 acc\nt$ =4 ,until rea*+ ! spot :]e h\nds m>k$1 !re 0 little or no ly+ gr\nd1 & see+ t !re 0 also no up-/ream drag x po9t$ to ! fact t our ott] _h travell$ ov] a neighb\r+ wat]%$1 & _h ent]$ ! holt on 8 j\rney d[n/ream4 ,x is always well to rememb] t an ott] may be f\nd any:]e1 & because !re happ5s to be no drag up-/ream t does n mean to say t y may n f9d :5 y rea* ! head wat]s4 ,reg>d+ ! agility & jump+ p[]s ( ott]s we rememb] h\nds f9d+ an ott] ly+ r\gh1 :i*1 aft] a c]ta9 am\nt ( du/+ up & d[n /ream1 jump$ a wall into a road1 pass$ "u a motor c> /&+ !re1 & w5t ov] ano!r wall into ! field beyond4 ,leav+ ! field x scal$ a ?ird wall be=e return+ to ! wat]4 ,ev5tually x took to "s ext5sive cov]ts1 & aft] runn+ a r+ ?r\gh !m1 x 0 b[l$ ov] by h\nds 9 ! op5 z x 0 mak+ its way back to ! riv]4 ,t an ott] kn[s e in* ( gr\nd ov] :i* he has once travell$ is made q app>5t to ^? :o d mu* ott]-hunt+4 ,we h1 9 a previ\s *apt]1 told ( an ott] :i* travell$ t5 miles ov]l& f "o /ream to ano!r1 go+ /raight to ! v>i\s smoots ?r\gh ! walls :i* b>r$ its passage4 ,9 an em]g5cy1 too1 an ott] makes up 8 m9d pretty quickly4 ,on "o occasion ! t]ri]s got to _! ott] 9 a dra91 & aft] op5+ ! latt]1 ! ott] back$ out4 ,! dra9 lay p>allel to a h$ge1 & l a fla% ! ott] d>t$ ?r\gh ?is1 ran d[n beh9d x1 & 0 into ano!r und]gr\nd retreat be=e anyone _h "t to realise 8 game4 ,z a rule1 if two ott]s are put d[n toge!r1 ! "o :i* is n be+ hunt$ w promptly make itself sc>ce4 ,we rememb] on "o occasion1 h[ev]1 :5 h\nds 7 hunt+ a bit* ott]1 ! dog hung ab\t 9 pla9 sight "u a bridge1 & rema9$ !re until ! bit* 0 acc\nt$ =1 aft] :i* he himself suff]$ ! same fate4 ,ott]-hunt+ is ! lea/ artificial ( our ,briti% field sports4 ,! ott] is a wild animal1 liv+ ! same free life t he has done = g5]ations1 & we h yet to le>n a good deal conc]n+ him4 ,be+ a great w&]]1 he is "h to-day & gone to-morr[1 & 8 hunt+ provides m glori\s unc]ta9ty ?an ! *ase ( any o!r bea/4 ,be=e y c hunt him y mu/ f9d him1 b :]eas ) de]1 fox1 & h>e1 ! f9d+ is (t5 ! easie/ "p ( ! bus9ess1 9 ! case ( ! ott] x is ! mo/ difficult4 ,9 a previ\s *apt] we h made brief m5tion ( ott]-hunt+ dress4 ,9 ^! days blue is ! popul> col\r = ,hunt liv]y1 ! mat]ial mo/ fav\r$ be+ wooll5 s]ge4 ,we wond] h[ mod]n ott]-hunt]s w\ld l to we> ! dress m5tion$ by ,bla9e1 i4e41 a gre5 dress turn$ up ) r$1 fur cap ) gold b&1 & wat]pro( hip-boots decorat$ ) r$ or gold tassels4 ,x 0 ,som]vile 9 ,! ,*ase :o co9$ ! phrase sly goose-foot$ pr[l]1 & gave to ! _w "o ( ! be/ acc\nts ( an ott]-hunt ev] p5n$4 ,ott]-hunt+ seems to h be5 little cat]$ = 9 ! matt] ( songs p]ta9+ to ! sport4 ,no d\bt !re are _m purely local ditties conc]n+ ! do+s ( v>i\s packs1 b few songs ( real wor? h made _! appe>ance4 ,9 ,! ,poetry ( ,sport by ,h$ley ,peek1 we f9d "o or two1 & 9 ! ,ott]-hunt+ ,di>y ( ,mr ,james ,lomax !re are a c\ple ( ,lanca%ire ott]-hunt+ songs4 ,"o ( ^! songs is 9 dialect1 & we take ! lib]ty ( quot+ a v]se or two = to anyone :o und]/&s broad ,lanca%ire !y convey a lively description ( ! sport4 ,! song is entitl$ ,! ,hunt 9 ! ,hodd]4 ,9 ! fir/ v]se ! n>rator goes to ! meet3 ,old ,squire ,lomax's dags ,i'd (t he]d um tell1 ,i be?\ght me "o morn+ ,i'd see um mysell1 ,s ,i donn'd me1 & reet (f = ,mytton dud trig1 ,un ,i l&$ me j z !y loos$ "u ?' ,brig4 ,*orus ,cobbl] wur !]1 ,c>v] wur !]1 ,r&om & ,rov]1 oud ,pilot & aw4 ,aft] a good drag1 h\nds m>k _! ott] 9 8 holt1 & ,crab ! t]ri] is s5t 94 ,h>k6 ,crab's agate feight+ him1 h>d z he con1 ,be %>p un seize h[d ( a dog1 e mon4 ,we _h nobbut j cleek$ um1 un rov5 um back1 ,:5 ?' grey-head$ mai/] croap eawt 9 a crack4 ,*orus ,h\nds swim _! ott] = "s "t until at la/ he takes refuge 9 a holt4 ,we swum him to ,w9ckley1 un !] he dud hoyle1 ,b a pick un a spade soon 8 h>b\r dud spoil2 ,!n he f\ght into ,ribble1 ay1 reet ?ro' ! pack1 ,?ro' fo> on um once _h him dean ( 8 back4 ,*orus ,h\nds ev5tually acc\nt = _! ott]1 & ! song f9i%es )3 ,?is ott] :oas weight wor j tw5ty-f\r pe&s1 ,two he>s1 =ty m9its1 wor hunt$ by ?' he&s2 ,he]'s luck to all ?' pack1 :5 !y meet5 next ye>1 ,may ?' ,capta91 un me1 un aw u be !]4 ,*orus ,a r amus+ incid5t occurr$ "s ye>s ago :5 we 7 :ipp+-9 to ! n[ disb&$ ,lake ,di/rict ,ott]h\nds4 ,:il/ wait+ at ,lakeside = ! boat t runs up ,lake ,w9d]m]e1 a *>-a-banc load ( tripp]s arriv$1 to :om ! sight ( a pack ( ott]h\nds 0 evid5tly a novelty4 ,be=e we knew :at 0 happ5+1 ! cr[d ( sightse]s _h =m$ a r+ r\nd h\nds1 ea* memb] ( ! p>ty produc+ a song book4 ,!re !n rose on ! air ! well-kn[n refra9 ,john ,peel4 ,! old huntsman li/5$ :il/ !y sang ! fir/ v]se1 !n sudd5ly exclaim$ ,give x m weft6 give x m weft6 ,isaac evid5tly ?\ght t _! ef=ts comp>$ badly ) ! way 9 :i* ! old song is sung by fox-hunt]s 9 ,cumb]l& or ,we/morl&4 ,9 addition to be+ ! lea/ artificial ( our ,briti% field sports1 ott]-hunt+ af=ds unrivall$ opportunities = ^? :o love to wat* ! "w ( h\nds4 ,x is m popul> n[ ?an x ev] 01 yet !re is /ill ample room = _m m packs be=e our riv]s & lakes are ?or\ghly hunt$ z !y %\ld be4 ,! m ott]s y kill ! m y w h1 = rip>ian own]s & t5ants are = ! mo/ "p q will+ to af=d protection to ,lutra1 :5 !y "k t a ke5 huntsman & a kill+ pack ( h\nds are hunt+ _! wat]s regul>ly ?r\gh\t ! season4 ,9 conclusion we w f9i% ) ! old s\?-c\ntry toa/ ,dea? to dog ott]s6 ,long life to ! little bit*es6 ,illu/ration ,,f9is ,,index ,abnormal col\r1 #cb ,activity ( ott]1 #ee1 #acg ,adult ott]1 eyes (1 #df ,african ott]1 #bc ,age ( ott]s1 #cb ,air1 9 holts1 #ej ,argyll1 a ,fauna (1 #cb ,back tee? ( ott]1 #bb ,be!l1 ,william1 #dc ,bit* ott]1 bre$+ (1 #ca ,biss hunt]s1 #aae ,black-&-tan ,wel% h\nds1 #abb ,bloodh\nd1 #aab ,bla9e1 #aej ,bobby ,tr\ghton1 #ach ,briti% ott]1 #bb ,briti% ,rural ,sports1 ,manual (1 #gf ,coke1 #cg1 #ch ,col\r ( ott]1 #bf ,*>les ,/ ,john1 #ef ,claw-m>ks ( ott]1 #dj ,clo?+ = ott]-hunt+1 #aji ,claws1 ott]1 #ga ,*ase1 ,!1 #aea ,col\r ( t]ri]s1 #abg ,*esapeake ,bay dog1 #aac ,cross-br$ h\nds1 #aae ,cubs1 #ca1 #cb1 #db1 #dc1 #de1 #df1 #dg1 #dh1 #fj ,dab*icks1 #fb ,dalnaspidal1 #fc ,digg+ by ott]1 #gj ,dixon1 ,h4 ,h41 #gg ,digg+1 #ih ,dra9s1 #ajf1 #ajg ,druid1 ,!1 #ada1 #adb1 #adc ,dress1 ott]-hunt+1 #aej ,drag1 #gh1 #gi1 #hj ,duckl+s1 #fd ,eels1 #fj ,e>ly meets1 #gg-hj ,essex ,o4,h41 #ca ,equipm5t1 ott]-hunt+1 #aaj ,evict+ ott]1 #if ,ex]cis+ h\nds1 #abi ,excrem5t1 #cg ,feet1 ott]'s1 #be ,field & ,f]n1 #gg ,f9d+ ott]s1 #hg1 #hh ,food = h\nds1 #abi ,footpr9ts1 #ch-dj ,fur1 ott]'s1 #be1 #bf ,gaits ( ott]1 #da ,h>ri]1 ,lanca%ire1 #aac ,hazel pole1 #aaj ,head1 ott]'s1 #bd1 #bf ,hebrides1 ott]s 91 #ee ,hide1 ott]'s1 #cc ,highl&s1 ott]s 91 #ee ,highway1 h\nds on1 #ajh ,hill1 ,mr ,waldron1 #adj ,holts1 #di1 #ej ,h\nd1 lime1 #ge ,horn1 #aaj ,indian ott]1 #bc ,int]digital webs1 #bh ,james ,lomax1 #gg1 #abc ,john1 ,k+1 #gc ,jones1 ,major ,evan1 #acb1 #acc ,john1 ,*>les ,/1 #ef ,jura1 #cb ,k+ ,john1 #gc ,k5ets1 #aac ,k5nels1 #acj ,la%1 :ip1 #aaj ,liam1 #ge ,lime h\nd1 #ge ,lomax1 ,james1 #gg1 #abc ,ma/] ( ,game1 #gc1 #ge1 #aac1 #aad ,m>t51 #fe1 #ff ,meet+ e>ly1 #gg-hj ,milb\rne1 #cf ,notes on ! horn1 #aaa ,ott]1 natural hi/ory (1 #ba-da ----1 head (1 #bd1 #bf ----1 hide (1 #cc ----1 ,indian1 #bc ----1 digg+1 #gj ----1 excrem5t (1 #cg ----1 feet (1 #be ----1 fur (1 #be1 #bf ----1 footpr9ts (1 #ch-dj ----1 ,african1 #bc ----1 age (1 #cb ----1 activity (1 #ee1 #acg ----1 ,briti%1 #bb ----1 back tee? (1 #bi ----1 col\r (1 #bf ----1 cubs1 #ca1 #cb1 #db1 #dc1 #de1 #df1 #dg1 #dh1 #fj ----1 coke1 #cg1 #ch ----1 claw-m>ks (1 #dj ----1 claws1 #ga ----1 holts1 #di1 #ej ----1 abnormal col\r (1 #cb ----1 weights & measurem5ts (1 #cj1 #ca ,peek1 ,h$ley1 #aea ,p9e-m>t51 #fe1 #ff ,poetry ( ,sport1 #aea ,record weights1 #cj ,rose1 ,mr1 #ca ,salmon & ott]1 #eg1 #eh ,seal1 #ch ,sc5t1 #ajd1 #aje ,signal1 on :i/le1 #ajj ,size ( ott]s1 #cj1 #ca ,songs1 ott]-hunt+1 #aea ,spe>s1 ott]1 #gd ,spra9ts1 #cg ,spur1 #ch ,tail1 ott]'s1 #be ,tame cubs1 #dg ,tally+1 #ii1 #ajj ,tee?1 ott]'s1 #bi ,track1 ott]'s1 #ch ,tr\ghton1 ,bobby1 #ach ,t]ri]s1 #abe-abh ,uni=ms1 hunt1 #aji ,weights ( ott]s1 #cj1 #ca ,wel% h\nds1 #abb ,yns= ,o4,h41 #acb ,zoological ,g>d5s1 #dg1 #ed1 #gb ,,pr9t$ ,,9 ,,great ,,brita9 ,,at ,,! ,,nor?umb]l& ,,press ,,limit$1 ,,newca/le-,,^u-,,tyne 99 99 99 99 99 ,transcrib] ,note ,illu/rations mov$ s z to n split p>agraphs4 ,on page #aad1 bra*es 0 *ang$ to ra*es4 ,hyph5ation & ,mr usage 7 /&>diz$4