354 On Hunting , Shooting, lie. 
this were proved, the Teeming inconfiftency 
between many of the a&ions of an individual 
muff difappear; as it would be unfair to reafon 
from any partial view of his character. 
Perhaps the difpofitions, which incline us to 
thefe diverfions, are the fame which, under 
other circumftances, incite to the molt heroic 
actions. The courage gained in the field, may 
be exerted to reftrain the infolence or ambition 
of a tyrant; expofure to fatigue, and the 
inclemency of feafons, qualify us for thofe exer¬ 
tions which our ftations, as members of 
fociety may demand; and he who, fearlefs of 
danger, is emulous of diftinction in the chafe, 
may equally pant for glory, when the invafion of 
his country prompts him to repel her foes. 
We may further obferve, that if Nature, 
with a liberal, but not lavifh hand, hath bellowed 
on all her offspring, thofe powers and propen- 
fities only, which their own neceffities, or the 
general order and oeconomy of the fyftem 
require, we (hall be unable to difeover her 
intention in the gifts of feent to the hound, 
fwiftnefs to the grey-hound, and fagacity to the 
pointer; thefe being amongft the number of 
innate ir.ftinflive faculties, which can only be 
exercifed in fome of the diverfions we fpeak of, 
and for which purpofes, we may therefore 
reafonaoly prefume they were given. 
Upon 
