PREFACE 



TO 



THE FIEST EDITION. 



FROM the very flattering reception which was given by the 

 Coursing public to my letters on the Greyhound, which ap- 

 peared in e Bell's Life,' I have been induced to republish them 

 with considerable additions and alterations. It will be found that 

 I have entirely rewritten the chapters on breeding, and that I 

 have gone much farther into that interesting subject than I 

 had previously done. Much that is now put forth is theoretical, 

 and as such must claim the indulgence of those who will perhaps 

 dissent from my opinions on this abstruse subject. But I may 

 state, that it is not to support a preconceived theory that my 

 arguments are adduced, but, on the contrary, my theories are the 

 result of facts which have been forced upon me, while utterly in 

 the dark and working at random, in endeavouring to arrive at 

 the truth. 



The addition of the series of portraits will, I hope, give interest 

 to the perusal of this book ; and as they are, most of them faithful 

 representations, the young Courser will be enabled to judge for 



