I HAVE felt considerable diffidence in offering my 

 opinions on the subjects already reviewed, but in 

 venturing to write on the mysteries of the hunts- 

 man's science, I am more than ever conscious of 

 the magnitude of the task I attempt. Every one 

 who has hunted hounds, and most of those who 

 have followed them, have formulated in their own 

 minds certain theories and ideas as to the way a 

 fox should be pursued. It would be impertinence 

 on my part to think of teaching such as these, 

 and consequently I address myself solely to the 

 rising generation. I cannot hope to leave no 

 point untouched, and when I have finished much 

 will be still left unsaid. Hunting is a sport on 

 which the last word will never be spoken. 



149 



