PREFACE. 



It must be borne in mind that this work 

 lays no claim to an 3^ high standard of literary 

 merit. 



It is simply the outcome of many seasons' 

 enjoyments — kindled b}^ the generosity of the 

 noble Masters — with quaint old customs, in- 

 cidents, and anecdotes chiefl}^ associated with 

 the celebrated Belvoir Hounds, culled at random ; 

 including a number of interesting runs, many 

 of which have either been participated in by 

 the writer, or communicated upon high 

 authority, and are founded on fact. 



I would crave the indulgence of those who 

 may do me the honour of skimming over 

 these pages, and remind them that as the 

 frail barque sometimes fares better upon the 

 turbulent billows than the stately vessel, so, 

 I trust, ni}^ unpretending work may escape 

 shipwreck on the rugged and inhospitable 

 coasts of criticism. 



An-giisf u^gy. 



