[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—Seeing the footnote which
you have added to my letter made me look up my rough notes, from which I notice by accident the following clause was omitted in my letter : " To those who think drag-hunting would meet the case as well, I can only say I disagree, and those who understand hunting I am sure will gladly explain the many obvious reasons." Drag-hunting can hardly be called hunting at all, it would be much more correctly described as drag-racing, because with the strong scent of the drag, the speed of the hounds is so fast that to follow virtually amounts to a race. This undesirable result destroys so many of the good attributes I referred to in my letter, and almost encourages the opposite, namely : want of consideration for others, " cutting in," riding down, and general selfishness ; as the main object in a drag-hunt is to see who can be in the first six at the finish.
The riding so described has the effect of eliminating from hunting 75 per cent. of the followers, and consequently, if there were only drag-hunting the number of people who kept horses would be reduced and the corresponding reserve of remounts would disappear. The " eye for the country " would be lost, as while racing one has no opportunity for this. By an " eye for the country " I refer to that invaluable quality of being able to detect some distinguishing mark miles ahead, which is so necessary and such wonderful training for officers. In these comments, I think I have shown that few, if any, of my arguments in support of fox-hunting apply equally to drag-hunting.—I am, Sir, &c.,
WM. BURTON,
Master of Essex and Suffolk Foxhounds (Suffolk Side). The Cottage, Burstall, Ipswich.
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