PREFACE. 



WHEN reminded by the Publisher that a dozen or so lines of Preface 

 were needful in introducing " British Dogs " to the public, the following 

 questions were forcibly presented to my mind : First, whether the book 

 should have been written ; and, secondly (given the necessity for it) 

 whether I should have undertaken the work. 



Both these questions I propose handing over to the reader for solution, 

 as I fear I might not be altogether an unprejudiced judge; and in doing 

 so I trust to his good nature to treat leniently all faults, and to his good 

 sense to assimilate whatever may be found worthy. 



The object aimed at has been to give, as far as obtainable, a sketch 

 of the origin of each breed, and an accurate description of the points 

 of excellence of each variety as demanded by modern taste. 



Only the initiated know the minute distinctions between breeds and 

 individual dogs, patent to the subtle discrimination of the present-day 

 philo-kuon. 



My fitness, if fitness there be, to convey this class of information 

 much sought after nowadays has been acquired as canine critic for 

 The Field, as kennel editor of The Country, and as a judge at shows, 



