FOX HUNTING

chase of the fox by horsemen with a pack of hounds. In England, the home of the sport, fox hunting dates from at least the 15th century. Opinion varies as to when it originated. In its inception, it was probably an adjunct to stag and hare hunting, with the same hounds used to chase each quarry. Modern fox hunting took shape in the 19th century shortly after Hugo Meynellthe father of the modern English chasestarted hunting; and it soon developed into a national upper-class pastime. Traditional procedure is still observed and the proper kit worn. A fox hunt is conducted by the master, and, in theory, all who take part in it do so at his invitation even when they pay for the privilege. The hounds, generally 15 to 20 couples (matched pairs), are controlled by the huntsman, who may be the master himself but who is generally the senior paid servant of the hunt. Two or three whippers-in assist in reconnaissance and in keeping the hounds together as a pack. Master, huntsman, and whippers-in take precedence over all other riders to hounds. The huntsman controls hounds by voice, his calls being known as cheers, and by his horna copper tube about eight inches long that produces two notes of great carrying and penetrating quality. A day's hunting begins with a meet, at which the followers join the hounds, acknowledge the master, and are frequently offered hospitality by one of their number who acts as host for the occasion. On the command of the master, hounds move off to draw (search) the covert, which may be woodland, a patch of gorse, or a field in which it is suspected that a fox may be. When the fox is found, the fact being signaled by the cry of hounds, notes of the horn, and the shout Tally-ho, the hunt begins and ordinarily proceeds to the stage at which the fox is viewed, a moment signaled by a holloa, a high-pitched cry. If a kill follows, the brush (tail), mask (head), and pads (feet) of the fox may be given as trophies by the master to any followers whom he considers to deserve the honour. The body of the fox is then thrown to the hounds. Fox-hunting uniform is usually a scarlet coat with white stock (cravat) and black velvet cap for the master, huntsman, and whippers-in. Followers of sufficient prestige are invited to wear scarlet, with the individual buttons of the hunt, and top hat (the velvet cap being strictly the prerogative of those actively engaged in the control of hounds, though by modern usage women also wear it). Other followers wear black coats, with top hats or bowlers. In the case of some ancestral hunts run by noble families, the uniform may be green, yellow, or gray instead of scarlet. Also the entourage of a hunt includes grooms; second horsemen, who ride relief horses for the master, his staff, and leading followers; and earth stoppers, who are supposed to close up all earths, or fox dens. Before World War I, fox hunting reached a zenith of popularity as an English field sport. Horse and hound breeding had arrived at a highly developed state, and hunting itself was well organized and regulated by the Master of Foxhounds Association. The sport of fox hunting has surmounted a number of difficulties in the 20th century, notably changes in patterns of rural land ownership and use as great landowners were replaced by numerous small holders, proliferation of barbed-wire fences, shortages and other hardships caused by World Wars I and II, and some popular opposition on anti-cruelty and other grounds. Hunting continued, however, in the second half of the 20th century in England, Wales, Ireland, and parts of Scotland from November, when the harvest is gathered, until April, when new crops begin to grow. The sport is also practiced in similar season in some parts of the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.