“Instructions to a Young Sportsman” by Lieutenant Colonel Peter Hawker

Centuries ago, British aristocracy set the standard for hunting on British land, and the traditions prevail even now. It’s unlikely that the grand manner of the Victorian era will ever be seen again, but Brits still follow long-established customs.

Did you know that when the printing press first reached England in 1476, the first best seller in the English language wasn’t the Bible, or any other religious book, but a “how to” book on hunting?

The second book in England published by a nameless schoolmaster of St. Albans Abbey stayed in print for 500 years! It was known simply as “The Boke of St. Albans” and dealt with hunting, hawking, and heraldry.

Hunting remains a popular activity world wise. As it is in the United States, the Labrador Retriever is among Great Britain’s most popular breeds, and our sense is that many British owners of today still shoot over their dogs. The first book to mention the breed was “Instructions to a Young Sportsman” by Lieutenant Colonel Peter Hawker.

“That’s My Puppy” by Jim Killen
http://www.killenoriginals.com