X INTRODUCTION 



of having selected a spot from which a good view 

 of the hunt may be obtained, when the fox can be 

 seen crossing the breast of the opposite hill with 

 the hounds stringing out far behind, the anxiety 

 whether he means to come this way or cross the 

 opposite sk34ine. If all turns out luckily the 

 music of the pack grows gradually fortissimo, the 

 fox slips quietly past, but is rolled over in full 

 view. 



It is not my intention to attempt a record of 

 the doings of any of the fell packs, of one of which 

 (the Blencathra) I had the honour of being for 

 several years the Master. I need now only express 

 my great regret that parliamentar}^ duties in 

 London coincided unfortunately with the fox- 

 hunting season in the Lakes, and limited very 

 severely my opportunities for the enjoyment of the 

 sport, which I commend to all who are still 

 sufficiently young in spirit or vigorous in body to 

 enjoy this healthy pastime. Young and old ahke 

 will find in Mr. Clapham's pages an invigorating 

 description of the sport, as well as a record of 

 minute and extensive observation of the habits 

 and idiosyncrasies of the four-legged participants 

 in the pursuit and a keen appreciation of the 

 beauty of the surroundings in which Lakeland 

 hmiting is carried on. 



