PREFACE. 



I HAVE an old and battered silver wine funnel in my 

 possession, which belonged to my forefathers, who were 

 all ardent fox-hunters. Many a time have I thought 

 what tales it could tell if it could only speak, for it 

 has, doubtless, been present at many a hunting dinner 

 in the days of yore, when people were more particular 

 about the condition of port than they are nowadays. 

 The thoughts it conjures up in my mind are of a very 

 pleasant nature, and to it is attributed the conception 

 of this little work. 



