I live in the midst of fox-hunting country and enjoy seeing a red fox occaionally, even though one of the buggers killed our pet Muskovy duck "Lucky" one night as she slept in her nest.

I also have been thrilled by the sight of a few dozen foxhounds jumping my stone walls to slake their thirst in Lucky's pond in front of my house. Then run off to the call of the hunter's horns, while Lucky stared at them from the safety of the middle of the pond. This was during the pre-season road walks to limber up the dogs and horses. The clip-clop of the unseen horses hooves was an added pleasure.

The goal of the hunt is an exciting ride and the thrill of the chase. If the fox goes to ground, no one is interested in digging him out for the kill. An escaped fox is one more for the next hunt.

We also pursue hares on foot with beagles and bassets in a chase called "beagling". Its lots of fun to be out in the countryside in the company of a few dozen sneakered enthusiasts ranging from 8 to 80 years. Again, no one really wants to catch a hare...it would be one less for the next Sunday. And there's a great "tea" after the chase.

It's a pleasure to observe something with a little "style" in this world of mediocrity.

Larry