My friend is generally a modest man in the field, seldom much
given to talking unless he be first addressed; and then he
prefers that you shall take upon yourself the chief burden of the
conversation. But on certain hunting subjects he has his opinion,
indeed, a very strong opinion, and if you can drive him from
that, your eloquence must be very great. He is very urgent about
special coverts, and even as to special foxes; and you will often
find smouldering in his bosom, if you dive deep enough to search
for it, a half-smothered fire of indignation against the master
because the country has, according to our friend's views, been
drawn amiss. In such matters the farmer is generally right; but
he is slow to communicate his ideas, and does not recognize the
fact that other men have not the same opportunities for
observation which belong to him. A master, however, who understands
his business will generally consult a farmer; and he
will seldom, I think, or perhaps never, consult any one else.
Always shake hands with your friend the farmer. It puts him at
his ease with you, and he will tell you more willingly after that
ceremony what are his ideas about the wind, and what may be
expected of the day. His day's hunting is to him a solemn thing,
and he gives to it all his serious thought.
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