Popular Sperts and Exercists. 203 



crclse calculated to inspire fortitacle and intrc- 

 pidity, or to afford efficacious means of defence 

 against personal insult and violence. But when 

 considered merely in the liglit of yielding gra- 

 tification as a public spectacle, or of furnishing 

 an opportunity for gambling speculations, it is 

 then viewed in all its naked deformity — Yet, is 

 not the art of boxing, by which instantaneous 

 insult may be avenged, or personal, injury 

 averted, less dangerous than any other practice 

 adopted by the inhabitants of the continent on 

 similar occasions and for similar purposes ? — 

 The question is an important one ; and the 

 followins: facts and observations mav serve, 

 perhaps, to apologize for, if they cannot justify, 

 a custom so interwoven with our national 

 manners and character. 



So long as man is subject to the imperfec- 

 tion of his nature, he must be compelled to 

 acquire the art of self-defence, as well as that 

 of annoyance to others. Our experience of 

 his conduct and character, teaches us the im- 

 possibility of extinguishing the passions of^ 

 pride and resentment, which, although they 

 frequently involve him in misery, are still the 

 sources of some of his noblest qualities and 

 attributes. — As some portion of evil will attach 

 to the best and wisests>'^tem of moral or civil 

 restraint ; that policy is, perhaps, the \\ isest, 

 c c 2 



