The Hounds of England - A Guide to the Foxhounds and Staghounds of England to Which Are Added the Otter Hounds and Harriers of Several Counties. (Hist (History of Foxhunting)

This unique guide was first published in London 1849. Only a small quantity were printed, and it is now a very scarce item commanding high prices from specialist book dealers. READ COUNTRY BOOKS have republished it, using the original text as part of their HISTORY OF HUNTING series. The book consists of one hundred and twenty pages giving details of over one hundred and seventy packs of Foxhounds, Staghounds, Otter hounds and Harriers. Many have detailed notes on their favourite fixtures, names of Masters and Huntsmen and descriptions of their country. Some of these hunts no longer exist and this little book remains a testament to their historical importance. The notes on certain hounds with their breeding and characteristics will prove of much interest to today's huntsmen and hound breeders alike. This important work was the first book of reference available to the hunting world, which in those days was a great and influential body, comprising much of the wealth, rank, and station of the land. It is a fascinating read for any hunting enthusiast, historian, or indeed, anyone with an interest in the many hound breeds in existence today. "Hark to the cheering note! They've found him, see! The gorse is waving like a troubled sea He's gone away hark, halloo! To the cry! Like swallows skimming o'er the fields they fly." Many of the earliest hunting books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. READ COUNTRY BOOKS are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.