?8 BOOKS ON FALCONRY. 



In this, the first edition, the book is not claimed by Nicholas 

 Cox, whose name in subsequent editions is appended to the 

 " Epistle Dedicatory." It is a mere compilation, without ac- 

 knowledgment, from various authors, which caused it to be 

 severely criticised by J ohn Ray in his Preface to Wiilughby's 

 " Ornithology " (1678). He says : — "I cannot but reflect upon 

 the author of a late English book entituled * The Gentleman's 

 Recreation.' .... For I find that all he hath considerable con- 

 cerning Fowling is taken out of the aforesaid book of Markham's 

 [* Hunger's Prevention, or the Art of Fowling '], and yet hath he 

 not to my remembrance made any mention of his author. What 

 he hath of Hawking is likewise an epitome of Turbervile's 

 collections, with some additions out of Latham's ' Falconry,' 

 without acknowledgement that all were borrowed. I do not 

 blame him for epitomizing, but for suppressing his author's 

 names and publishing their works as his own, insomuch that 

 not only the vulgar, but even learned men, have been deceived 

 by him." 



Ray, however, overlooked the statement on the title-page that 

 the various treatises were " collected from ancient and modern 

 authors forrein and domesiick," though it is true that the names 

 of these authors are not riientioned. 



The first edition of this book has become very scarce, and the 

 second, third, and fourth editions (1677, 1686, and 1697) are 

 seldom found quite perfect. The later editions of 1706 and 

 1 72 1 are more often to be met with. In some the title varies, 

 as, for example : — 



38. COX (Nicholas). The Gentleman's Recrea- 

 tion : in four Parts, viz., Hunting, Hawking, Fowl- 

 ing, Fishing. Wherein these generous exercises are 

 largely treated of: and the Terms of Art for Hunting 

 and Hawking more amply enlarged than heretofore, 

 etc. The Fourth Edition. London, Printed by J. 

 Dawks for N. Rolls in Petty-Canons- Hall, in St Pauls 

 Church-yard. 1697. 8vo. 



The preceding half-title has engraved scenes of Coursing, 



