INTRODUCTION 



BY dedicating the following pages to one so 

 far bettei- able than myself to judge of 

 their merit or their incompetence in the harmless 

 celebration of a theme on which so much might 

 have been offered with propriety, though, com- 

 paratively speaking, so little has been lately said, I 

 think not to obtrude myself on the pviblic as an 

 author, or stand forth a candidate for literary 

 fame ; especially, having chosen a topic of lighter 

 interest, connected neither with the policy of 

 governments, the sectaries of religion, or the 

 immediate welfare of mankind. But may we not 

 sometimes be allowed to treat of the recreations, as 

 well as the business of life ? Let it be remem- 

 bered, " The Chase " has been immortalized by 

 ancient song ; nor did Somerville, in modern times, 

 consider it unworthy of his pen. I shall not, there- 

 fore, descant on the importance or non-importance 

 of Field-Sports ; bearing in mind that common, 

 though just observation, " whatever is worth doing 

 at all, is worth doing well; " and as my chief object 

 is the endeavouring to convey instruction to the 

 young Sportsman — with now and then a friendly 

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