IV PREFACE. 



Prior to commencing the fugitive papers of which 

 this work is a corrected portion, I was enjoying that 

 much-coveted " Dolce far niente." Now, so far as the 

 "dolce" is concerned, no matter in what shape it 

 comes, I can enjoy it with as much u gusto " as any 

 man breathing, and am grateful enough to say I have 

 had my full share of it in various ways. The " far 

 niente " with a very good income does extremely well, 

 and is very pleasant ; but when we begin to anticipate 

 its continuance might bring the " niente " in contact 

 with the purse, it does not do at all, and is not plea- 

 sant, but is I trust an apology for this work. 



In soliciting indulgence for the many failings that 

 will be found in the Author as a writer, I may I trust 

 be permitted to observe, that the fugitive thoughts, 

 hints, and opinions he ventures to publish are not 

 those of the theorist, but of one who from a mere 

 child has mixed in and enjoyed every sporting pursuit 

 alluded to in the work, is engaged in some of them 

 now, and trusts ere long to enjoy on a limited scale 

 all again. If so, and the ideas contained in the work 

 should be considered by the Sporting World to be 

 (taken as a whole) tolerably correct, his happiness 

 will be complete. 



H. H. 



