A book for the true countryman of all ages. First published in the early 1900s, now reprinted in a fine-quality paperback edition for a new generation. It will stir many nostalgic memories for older readers and teach younger ones some new and unusual methods of taking various kinds of quarry. Its seven illustrated chapters cover 166 pages and include details and instructions on a fascinating variety of subjects, many of them now long vanished. It’s a truly readable book from a more innocent age when the country was a freer place. We’ve reprinted this with genuine pleasure. It describes the sporting activities of a generation only just removed from ours but now separated forever by new legislation and a change in attitudes amongst out-of-touch urbanites. My father described it as “almost a diary of my country childhood”. It is without doubt the most interesting book we’ve ever sold and I defy anyone with even a passing interest in the countryside or field sports to be able to flick through it without becoming absorbed.

SPORTS DEPENDING ON DOGS

Badger-hunting; Stoat-hunting; Rat-hunting; Squirrel-hunting; Water-vole and Moorhen hunting; Wild-rabbit coursing; Hedgehog finding; Dog-racing; "Hunting the clean boot"

SPORTS DEPENDING ON FERRETS

Ratting; Rabbiting

SPORT DEPENDENT ON BIRDS

Hawking small birds; Trapping and netting sparrows; Pigeon-racing; Tippler-flying; Hawking insects with jackdaws

SPORTS REQUIRING A GUN OR RIFLE

Rook and rabbit shooting; Sparrow and starling shooting; Wood-pigeon shooting; Shooting game with a bow and arrows

SPORT WITH FISHES

Wiring jack and pike; Sniggling and spearing eels; Minnow and gudgeon fishing; Crayfish catching

MISCELLANEOUS SPORTS

Finding the eggs of certain birds; Viper-killing; Millipede-racing; Beetle-fighting

SOME MAJOR FIELD SPORTS

In the hunting field; Fox-hunting