viii. PREFACE. 



For a long time the Bramham Moor has occupied an 

 unique position amongst what are known as provincial 

 packs, and its high reputation dates a long way into the 

 last century, a reputation of which all Yorkshire sportsmen 

 are justly proud. P'or at Bramham the 'System of Meynell' 

 was early adopted ; and if that system was first adopted in 

 the Quorn country during the long Mastership of the great 

 Hugo Meynell, it is equally certain that it was adopted 

 about the same time in the kennels at Wothersome. 



My task has been a difficult yet a pleasant one, and I 

 have to thank many gentlemen for the information they 

 have so kindly placed at my disposal. Foremost amongst 

 them is Captain Fox, who has spared no pains; Mr. Lascelles, 

 of Sion Hill, and Mr. Thomas Parrington have likewise 

 been of great assistance; whilst I am indebted to Dr. Todd, 

 of Selby, for the sight of some interesting manuscripts and 

 letters. The chapter about hounds is principally written 

 from data furnished by Tom Smith, who has been most 

 painstaking in giving me information about his favourites. 



The publisher also desires to express his thanks to 

 Captain Fox, Sir Walter Gilbey, and Messrs. Dickinson and 

 Foster, of New Bond Street, for placing at his disposal the 

 original pictures, from which the Illustrations in the book 

 have been taken. 



WILLIAM SCARTH DIXON. 

 York, April, 1898. 



