viii PREFA CE. 



centuries many books were printed on the same subject, yet neither 

 then, or at a later period, has, I believe, any work appeared which 

 treats on the management of the fallow-deer, or professes to give 

 any account of the numerous parks for which England has been so 

 long distinguished from the other countries of Europe. 



This circumstance must plead my excuse for attempting, what 

 I fear has been very imperfectly performed, a sketch of the origin 

 and history of deer parks, and a list (for it is but little more) of 

 most of these ancient and modern enclosures in the several English 

 counties, with some few notes on the management of parks and 

 deer at the present time. 



For the purpose of obtaining information as to the present con- 

 dition of English parks, I circulated among their owners a paper of 

 queries with regard to the acreage and number of deer, as well as 

 on the subject of management, and date or history of each par- 

 ticular park ; and I take this opportunity of recording my obligations 

 to those noblemen and gentlemen who were kind enough to notice 

 my communication, or to allow their keepers to answer it. Among 

 the number there are many to whom, for their great courtesy and 

 kindness in affording information, a more particular expression 

 of thanks is due; and here I desire particularly to mention the 

 names of the Earl of Winchilsea and Nottingham, the Lords 

 Farnham and Henniker, the Rev. Lord Saye and Sele, Sir 

 William Heathcote, Bart. M.P., Sir Henry Dryden, Bart, the 



