Rensselaer Republican, Volume 17, Number 15, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 December 1884 — Lingo of Fox-Hunting. [ARTICLE]

Lingo of Fox-Hunting.

The terms used in fox-hunting are very peculiar and interesting. From a conversation with Huntsman Crosby, I leaded that “Tally-o-back!” means that Reynard has headed back; that if the hounds come out the cry is “Hard back,” and a “sharp burst” is the first run when very quick. If the scent is so good that the hounds run almost mute, it is called a “burning scent;” but, when the hounds “throw up,” or stop for want of scent it is called “a check.” If they are not obliged to stop for the scent, they are said to be “running breast high.” In drawing the cover the first hound to sound his tonguo is said to “challenge. ” The fox, when killed as soon as found, is said to be “chopped.” The scent left by the fox on his return to the kennel is the “drag;” when fresher than a “drag” it is a “moving scent” When all or most of the hounds take the scent and crowd together to pursue it. they are said to “carry a good head.!’ When the hounds do not attempt to rush to the lead, they “dwell on the scent.” A fox is said to “run his foil” when he retraces the ground he has before boerf over, and battles both dogs and men. Hounds, when they have recovered a lost scent, are said to have “hit it off.” Should a fox meet with obstructions in his course and be turned back, he is said to be “headed.” The good hound that abides by the .scent only is called a “live hunter.” When hounds are slack-mettled in their hunting they- are said not to “stoop to their soent;” but, when in one line they go at the top of their speed, they are then said to be “streaming away.” Some hounds are said to be “tight in their tongues,” which means that they run mute, or nearly so. ithe good hound, on the contrary, “throws his tongue” freely; but, if too noisy, he is called a “blabber.” A hound that has a habit of running wide of the pack is called a “skirter.” “Pad” is the foot of the fox, and, when the print of it is detected in the ground the huntsman “pads the rox.” “Full cry” is when a joyous pack acknow-ledge the scent by “throwing their tongues” freely. The expressions peculiar tofox-hnnt-ing are a thousand and one, but easily acquired. The members of the Myopia club are very mofeient in their use, aud after the hu»t, w hen seated at a feast of English jjf'oast beef, the features of the chase are talked over and these peculiar terms used. From my own experience as a looker-on, I must say that riding to hounds is the most oxciting of sport, and, when it is rid of some of its objectionable features will prove to be immensely popular with those who can afford to indulge in it. I shall not attempt to discribe a hunt, for that would be a most difficult task. —Boston Letter.