HOUNDS HORSES AND HUNTING

A beautiful book for a luxury market- those, for example, who were consistent purchasers of Derrydale Press items some years ago. An import, this is -- for the hunting fraternity- an inside story of the Wheatland Hounds and of Frances Pitt, who became M.F.H. There is presented every facet of this sport of kings -- a way of life that belongs to a dying tradition, but that- she feels- has vitality enough to continue in a new form. In these pages- and in the illustrations in color and in wash by Michael Lyne, she has preserved that way of life. She had told of her childhood beginnings, first a pony, then a rented horse, then her own mounts; hacking on -- first hunts- and ultimately the unique distinction of being made M.F.H. Chapter by chapter the reader shares the contagion of the hunt,- opening the season, what it means to ""get to hounds"", scent, the boxing-day meet, memorable runs, the terriers, the foxhounds, the foxes, the horses -- and the problems of the Master. There's a special chapter for the novice, with sound advice on proper induction into the noble sport. There's the feel of the English countryside throughout.