Early Days 7 



gratification. One's heart is warmed by these ancient 

 sporting memories. 



The Hills belonged to a great hunting family. Many 

 members were connected with hounds, and it may be 

 mentioned, as indicating their natural proclivity for this 

 sport, that Jim Hills (brother to Tom) hunted the Heythrop 

 for some years. Morris, a son of old Tom, was first 

 whip to the Queen's ; and Tom Hills, another son, was 

 at one time huntsman to the West Kent. All these 

 younger scions of the family were successful in the various 

 posts they filled. Their heart was in their work, hence 

 it was well done, and it became more of a pleasure 

 than a toil. Thus labour in the cause of sport gains 

 its chief reward, and we are glad to banish sordid con- 

 siderations. 



The author has in his possession a coloured print of 

 Tom and Peckham Hills with hounds, painted by Giles, 

 date 1839, and dedicated to Sir E. Antrobus. It is a 

 little-known print, and the reason why it is not included 

 in the present volume is that the same subjects are treated 

 in our frontispiece. 



