21 AUGUST 1897, Page 25

Annals of the Warwickshire Hunt, 1795 - 1895. By Sir C. Mordaunt

and the Rev. the Hon. R. W. Verney. 2 vols. (Sampson Low, Marston, and Co.)—The two authors, both of them men who have ridden to hounds from their youth, have made of this history a very handsome and complete book. The first master of the Warwickshire was Mr. John Corbet, whose reign was distinguished by the famous run of 1795,in which thirty-three miles were covered. Mr. Corbet was an excellent master, sparing neither expense nor trouble. He had the luck to possess a famous hound, 'Trojan' by name, whose progeny became the mainstay of the Warwick- shire, and of other packs as well. It is said that "The Blood of the Trojans" was always the toast that followed "The King" at the hunt dinners at Stratford-on-Avon. Some of the famous runs of the early days are graphically described, and even illustrated by maps. Under the present master the pack has reached a point of perfection that has never been surpassed. He, too, has had his historic runs. There was one in 1884, when the country run through was of the best description, all grass except four ploughed /fields and two small coverts. The time was two hours twenty minutes. Both volumes are profusely illustrated. There are sfine plates giving portraits of former masters and huntsmen, of .horses and hounds, with various group and minor illustrations. 'These plates are beautifully executed ; the horses and dogs in particular are veritable masterpieces. Many great runs, too, are reproduced from Sir C. Mordaunt's diary. We cannot speak too highly of the way in which the two authors have done their work.