The School of Recreation (1696 edition) Or a Guide to the Most Ingenious Exercises of Hunting, Riding, Racing, Fireworks, Military Discipline, the Science of Defence

"The School of Recreation" by R. H. is an informative manual from the late 1600s that acts as a handbook for pastimes like hunting, horseback riding, racing, and creating fireworks. It serves as a detailed guide to these activities, complete with rules, methods, and suggested equipment for each of them. The book doesn't just tell readers how to engage in these pastimes; it suggests these activities are good for one's health and for developing social connections. Beginning with hunting, the author explains game types, hunting techniques, and the importance of selecting the right hunting dog for different terrains, while advising on the care needed for both the dogs and the hunters. The book kicks off as a journey into making leisure time both fun and educational in fields and endeavors that, when undertaken responsibly and thoughtfully, enhance one's mental and physical state.