318 O^ SPORTf? AND EXERCISES. 



'^ it must (according to the observation of a spirited 



author) in order to act consistently, prohibit the use of 



knives, hatchets, and even pokers; for any of these^ 



upon a sudden emergency, might impart a fearful power 



to the enraged and the feeble." 



Other coun- jf ^g consider the practice of other countries, where 



destructive boxing is unknown, we shall find, that the modes of re- 



means. senting injuries, resorted to by the common people, are 



full of danger and ferocity. In Italy*, the stiletto is 



not only the weapon of the hired assassin, but is also 



^ kept ready in the bosom of the respectable citizen, to be 



plunged into the heart of his friend or neighbour, upon 



any sudden provocation from anger, or motive of re- 



Tcnge. 



Destructive When the passions are under greater restraint, from 



effects of want the influence of laws, of climate and of custom, such 



of regulation dreadful consequences do not ensue from the quarrels of 

 in personal ^ ^ 



struggles. the populace +. let even in France, and most parts of 



Germany, the quarrels of the people are determined by a 

 brutal appeal to force, directed in any manner, however 

 perilous, to the annoyance or destruction of an adversary. 

 Sticks, stones, and every dangerous Idud of weapon, are 

 resorted to for the gratification of p.i^sion or revenge. 

 But the most common and savage method of settling 

 quarrels upon the continent is the adoption of the Pan- 

 cratium. The parties close, and struggle to throw each 

 other down : at the same time the teeth and nails are not 



• In an authentic publication of the life of the late Pope, it is 

 affirmed, that upwards of looo persons annually fall victims in 

 Rome to the stiletto ; cither by the hands of the hired assassin, or 

 in private quarrels. Dr. Moore reckons the number of murders in 

 Naples, by the dagger, at not less than 400 annually. 



f The mode of fighting in Holland, among the seamen and 

 others, is well known by the appellation of Snicker-Snee. In this 

 contest sharp knives are used; and the parties frequently maim, 

 and sometimes, destroy each other. The government deems it 

 necessary, to tolerate this savage practice. Certain fines are im^ 

 posed if wounds be Inflicted on dangerous parts of the body; but a 

 very trifling, and Indeed seldom any punishment ensues, provided 

 the general rules of the combat have been adhered to. 



unemployed. 



