During the chase, whenever it may be necessary to stop the hounds, the whipper-in should always be at their head before he begins to make the attempt. _Rating behind_ can effect but little; and if they are running riot in covert, it may prevent him from knowing which are the aggressors. Whippers-in are frequently in the extreme, and continue rating long after they find that rating will not avail: a hound should never be struck, unless he is first made sensible what it is for: if they were a little less hasty, and more disposed to reflection, they would never strike a hound that did _not_ deserve it, and would strike those hard who do. In fact, the experience of every additional season affords ample conviction, that a whipper-in seldom distinguishes sufficiently the degrees of offence which a dog may have committed, to proportion his punishment accordingly; and such is the prevalence of custom, that when only riding a hound, to turn him after the huntsman, he is rated (if not flogged) as severely as if he had been guilty of the greatest possible offence. A whipper-in is generally so exceedingly pleased with his own powers of vociferation, that he is incessantly _rating_ some one hound or another, and then as industriously endeavours to _flog_ him; without asking himself the question, whether it is likely a hound thus rated will not naturally feel inclined to avoid the whip. It is certainly the most consistent, whenever a hound may deserve correction, to whip him first, and to rate him afterwards. The getting forward the tail hounds is a material and necessary part of the chase, in which a whipper-in, of energy and judgment, can always give proof of his ability. Where there are two whippers-in, the _first_ is often justified in getting forward, when the huntsman, from accident, or unforeseen and unavoidable obstructions, may be prevented from being up with the hounds; but the _second_ has no right whatever to be forward, so long as a single hound is known to have been left behind. Most huntsmen cast an eye of jaundiced jealousy at a whipper-in, particularly if his merits have attracted the attention of his employer; upon a presumption he may have a rival in his subordinate, who may, upon any indiscretion or disobedience of his own, have a fair chance of becoming his successor; a circumstance that sometimes a little cankers the basis of unanimity. After these accumulated remarks upon the personal qualifications and official efforts of a whipper-in, it may with truth be affirmed, if he is innately bold, active, and energetic; a prudent, careful, and steady horseman, with a quick ear, and clear voice; with attentive knowledge, and observation to distinguish where he can be the most useful; not possessing the simple conceit of killing a fox without the huntsman, but, on the contrary, feel disposed to assist him all he can; such a one may be considered completely perfect in his department, and will seldom or ever be long out of employment.