PREFACE. 



Since the days of that well-known authority, Peter 

 Beckford, but few books have been published confined 

 entirely to Hounds and Hunting. 



Beckford's "Thoughts Upon Hunting," published about 

 the year 1782, is still looked upon as the best authority on 

 hunting matters, and all books dealing with this subject 

 contain many quotations from his work. The practical 

 advice contained therein was the outcome of a mind that 

 knew his subject thoroughly, and as long as hunting 

 continues his name will be a household word amongst 

 hunting men. As a great lover of hounds and everythmg 

 connected with hunting, I have ventured to write these 

 few chapters, and it has been my endeavour to give those 

 who should chance to read my little volume the result of 

 my experience, and as the greater part was written far 

 away from any books of reference, I have been unable to 

 give extracts from other sources. 



That there are many points I have missed I feel certain, 

 and I will only ask the reader to think kindly of my faults, 

 and fo realise the difficult task I have but poorly achieved. 



The Foxhound of the present day has been brought 

 almost to perfection. Anyway, he is the most perfect 

 animal in creation, and, thanks to the kindness of several 

 Masters of Hounds, and with the aid of Mr. Cuthbert 

 Bradley's pencil, and some photographs, I have been able 

 to obtain illustrations of many well-known Foxhounds, 

 Harriers, and Beasrles, which I think will be of interest. 



