PREFACE 



In undertaking to write the Annals of the Billesdon 

 Hunt, after an absence from the locahty exceeding thirty 

 years — during which I have enjoyed some sport in the pro- 

 vinces and more distant parts of the world — I am reminded 

 of the fact that in the interval a new generation has come 

 into being, and that I have ' lost touch ' with persons, 

 places and things in High Leicestershire to such an extent, 

 as to render my task less easy of accomplishment than I 

 had anticipated. 



I am induced, therefore, to hope that the pleasure which 

 the reader may derive from the perusal of the interesting 

 contributions of others which enliven these pages, will in- 

 cline that complacent being to regard with indulgence the 

 deficiencies and demerits which may be found in the rest 

 of the volume. 



To the sporting Editor, upon whom the duty of re- 

 viewing the bantling may be inflicted, I would merely say 

 that, although I have no desire to divest myself of the sole 

 responsibility for its production, the volume should not be 

 regarded otherwise than as an epitome of a history yet to 

 be written, I hope without affectation, by a pen more 

 capable of doing justice to the theme. 



The non-existence of any such record must be held 

 primarily responsible for my temerity in launching this 

 frail bark upon the waters ; it is unnecessary to emphasize 

 that its cargo aspires neither to literary skill, still less to be 

 regarded as an oracle in relation to the noble sport to 

 which it is devoted. Should it serve to while away an odd 

 half hour, possibly it may thereby justify its existence. 



Although contemplated for some time, pen and ink were 

 not actually called into requisition until last October, and 

 although not offered as any justification for ill-construction, 

 I may add that I have laboured under the disadvantage of 



