Bibliothèque mondiale du cheval

« Here is oftentimes as much pleasure in looking back as forward ; and a lively recollection of the persons and performances of some of our first-rate sportsmen, contributes to the cheerfulness of many of my passing hours. Thus it has occurred to me, that ^ I may transfer to the Sporting World, some portion of this self-gratification, as well as amuse some leisure moments by inditing short notices of the various eminent sportsmen who have come under my eye — whether as riders to hounds — or as masters of fox-hounds, and huntsmen ; as likewise of a few of those who have filled inferior situations in the various departments of " the noble science." I make no apology for doing this. Any man who excels in the station in which he is placed, is entitled to commendation, and— in allusion to that part of the sportsman’s prowess, riding to hounds— as we have greater reason to look for quickness of perception, coolness under difficulties, anticipation of events, self-command, and above all a light hand and a firm seat, together with the other essentials to a good horseman, in a person of a superior caste in life, we should set a higher value on a happy combination of such qualities when we find it in a servant, or indeed in any one who has not had the advantages which we have ourselves possessed. Such is the outline of my intended offering to the sporting world, and I will throw off at once in my native county, Shropshire.[…] » Présentation de l’éditeur (1843)