EDITOR'S PREFACE 



This, the third volume of "The Hunting Library," 

 deals with a subject at once more simple and more 

 complex than that covered by its predecessors; 

 more simple because its scope is determined by 

 a review of the personality, the duties and the 

 difficulties of a single official ; more complex 

 because, if we are to contemplate any approach 

 to a proper estimate of all that the Master of 

 Hounds means in the social and sporting world, 

 it is necessary to consider his privileges and obli- 

 gations not merely from his own standpoint, 

 but also from those of his followers, farmers or 

 otherwise, and his servants. To a complete under- 

 standing of his merits, indeed, a word from the 

 hounds would be essential, but short of that it is 

 hoped that something has been accomplished in 

 the following pages to show the Master as he sees 

 himself and also as others see him. 



The main portion of this volume was the work 

 of Mr. Underbill, who needed no introduction to 

 hunting readers, and who applied himself to his 

 task with his usual conscientious grasp of its re- 

 sponsibilities. Most unfortunately, this enthusiastic 

 and painstaking writer died suddenly when he had 



