6 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



making a character — inventions, hitherto only a dream, 

 are at last realized, bringing about vast consequences. 



Be it understood that the above refers not so much to 

 the length of years enumerated, but to the exact period 

 covered since Mr. Tailby first saw the light, and has had 

 the opportunity to witness and participate in the use of 

 these marvels of civilization, which to our forefathers, if not 

 to ourselves, would seem nothing short of miraculous. 



How Mr. Tailby founded the Billesdon Hunt and 

 proved his capacity as a M.F.H., always steadfastl}^ 

 adhering to the dictum that " we hunt by courtesy and not 

 b}^ right," I hope, with due regard to modesty, and an 

 aijsence of fulsome flattery (which would only insult the 

 intelligence of the reader), effectually to demonstrate and 

 record in the following pages. 



I cannot, however, bring this brief and imperfect sketch 

 to a close without saying that although thirty- five years 

 have elapsed since Mr. Tailby resigned the arduous 

 duties of the Mastership, he has remained a very active 

 member of the hunt and keen follower of the hounds, whose 

 reputation he did so much to create ; and until quite the 

 last few years was always ready to give the youngsters a 

 lead ! And even now, so wonderfully hale and hearty is 

 the veteran, that he exhibits the same keen, though neces- 

 sarily passive, interest in the chase which has ever been 

 his predominant characteristic. Most men, I think, would 

 confess themselves in agreement with the epicurian poet, 

 who said, " Ce monde est un banquet que je suis prete a 

 quitter quand je serai rassasice, mais pas auparavant. La 

 vie est un livre que je desire parcourir jusqu' a la fin, et ne 

 fermer qu' apres en avoir lu la derniere page." 



That it may be long ere Mr, Tailby comes to *Ma 

 derniere page," that he may be spared awhile to fight his 

 battles over again, is, I am sure, the sincere wish of all 

 who have ever had the privilege to know him, or experienced 

 the unspeakable joy of riding to the sound of his horn and 

 the cry of his hounds. 



