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 ILLUSTRATIONS HUNTSMAN AND HOUNDS. _By J. A. Wheeler_ _Frontispiece_ WILY PENNING HIS STORY. _By T. Smith_ _Facing page_ 1 WILY ADDRESSING HIS FRIENDS. _By T. Smith_ _Facing page_ 2 BREAKING COVER. _By S. Howitt_ _Facing page_ 18 STOPPING HOUNDS. _By S. Howitt_ _Facing page_ 22 FULL CRY. _By S. Alken_ _Facing page_ 42 THE CRAVEN HOUNDS IN SAVERNAKE FOREST. _By T. Smith_ _Facing page_ 58 GONE AWAY. _By Henry Alken_ _Facing page_ 70 BAGGING THE FOX. _By C. Loraine Smith_ _Facing page_ 76 HUNTING IN COVER. _By Henry Alken_ _Facing page_ 82 THE DEATH OF THE FOX. _By R. B. Davis_ _Facing page_ 108 EVERY HOUND HAS GOT A FOX. _By T. Smith_ _Facing page_ 113 NOTE.—The Coloured Illustrations are from contemporary prints and paintings by HENRY ALKEN, S. HOWITT, and other well-known sporting artists, kindly lent by Mr. BASIL DIGHTON. The Black and White Illustrations are facsimile reproductions from the originals by TOM SMITH in the old Edition. [Illustration: WILY’S STORY.] THE LIFE OF A FOX