

PREFACE 



A FEW LINES only are necessary to explain the object 

 with which these volumes are put forth. At the time 

 when the Badminton Library was started no modern 

 encyclopaedia existed to which the inexperienced man, 

 who sought guidance in the practice of the various 

 British Sports and Pastimes, could turn for information. 

 Some books there were on Hunting, some on Racing, 

 some on Lawn Tennis, some on Fishing, and so on ; but 

 one Library, or succession of volumes, which treated of 

 the Sports and Pastimes indulged in by Englishmen 

 and women was wanting. The Badminton Library 

 was produced to supply the want. Of the imperfections 



