DEDICATION. 



TO JOHN MUSTERS, ESQ. 



My dear Sir, 



In these degenerate days, when the so-called improvements 

 in our social system, and in the state and appearance of 

 the country, have well nigh put a stop to our sports and 

 pleasures in the fields, it may seem ill-timed to bring for- 

 ward a work on a subject which appears to be fast declining 

 in general estimation. I am aware that it is so, but, being 

 a devoted admirer of all connected with field sports, I have 

 endeavoured to rescue the science from oblivion, by giving 

 in the following pages my experience in the chase hoping 

 that my labom-s may contribute to the pleasure and in- 

 struction of those true English hearts who still love that 

 noblest of British pastimes, Fox-hunting." " I cast, then, 

 my book upon the waters," in hope, " believing that its 

 vein is good ;" unwilling, however, to send it forth to the 

 M^orld without an introduction, I feci proud of the perrais- 



