THE LANGUAGE OF SPORT. By C.E. Hare.

1939 1st edition. 8vo (145 x 220mm). Ppxvi,192. B/w illustrations from old engravings. Green cloth, upper board titled in yellow, spine titled in gilt. D/w price, 7s. 6d. net.

An excellent reference to the ancient terms of venery, group names for birds and animals, and the language of natural history and field sports. Chapters include: Beasts of venery, chase and warren; 'All manner of dere'; The wild boar, the bear and the wolf; Foxhunting, beagling and otter hunting; Shooting; Fishing; Hawking; Vermin; General terms; Hunting cries and music; Fottprints; Animals retiring to rest; The dislodgment of animals; Ordure or excrement; Tails of animals; Cries of animals; The mating of naimals; Breaking and dressing; The colours and descriptions of horses. Group terms: Birds; animals; Fishes and insects. Bibliography: The authorities; 'The Book of St. Albans'; A digression; some Dutch terms; Pet names.