However determined I still may be to trespass upon your Lordship’s preserves, I will do so no longer upon your time. Our walks in life are different; ’tis yours to ride, ’tis mine to run; ’tis yours to pursue, ’tis mine to be pursued; we shall meet again in the field, the horn will sound the alarm, my appearance will be greeted with a view-halloo that shall set the blood of hundreds in motion! Whether after that day of trial I shall again sit amongst my listening cubs, and relate to them how many peers, parsons, and squires lay prostrate on the turf, and were soused in the brook while pursuing my glorious course, or whether my brush shall at length adorn your Lordship’s hat, fate must decide.—Meanwhile I remain, your Lordship’s obliged friend,
WILY.
Main Earth, 6th June, 1843.
ADVERTISEMENT TO THE ORIGINAL EDITION
This little book may be looked upon as a curious manifestation of the movement among Foxes. The Editor ventures to send it forth, for an agreeable reminiscence to many who assisted in scenes which it describes; for some little instruction to sportsmen who have had less experience than himself; and for the common entertainment of all who like to listen to the way of the world in the woods.
Hill House, Hambledon,
10th June, 1843.
CONTENTS
| PAGE | |
| Introduction. By Lord Willoughby de Broke | [v] |
| Dedication | [xi] |
| Advertisement | [xv] |
| The Life of a Fox | [1] |
| Wily’s Story | [3] |
| Cock-Tail’s Story | [50] |
| Craven’s Story | [54] |
| Pytchly’s Story | [60] |
| Dorset’s Story | [70] |
| Warwick’s Story | [79] |
| Chester’s Story | [86] |
| Devonian’s Story | [92] |
| Berkshire’s Story | [97] |
| Sandy’s Story | [102] |
| Conclusion | [125] |