Personalities 197 



decline of prices consequent upon foreign preference, 

 are rapidly crushing the life out of England's oldest 

 and once its most important industry. Gone are 

 the landlords of the old school, " the backbone of 

 England, the fox-hunting squires," are few and far 

 between ; gone are the sport-loving farmers of fifty 

 years ago, and gone that charming old country life 

 that made so many great Englishmen. 



G. E. ColUns. 



Song to the New Year ^z^ <?^ 



COME New Year, and bring with thee 

 All true sons of Venerie — 

 Men who love that joyous sound. 

 The challenge of the eager hound 

 When the wily fox is found — 

 Men who shout the wild halloo 

 When the flying fox they view — 

 Men who love the merry lass — 

 Men who circulate the glass — 

 All true sportsmen bring with thee. 

 Wrapt in the garb of gaiety. 

 Cast behind thee sin and sorrow. 

 Give us joy to-day, to-morrow ; 

 Give us life's choice merriment, 

 A foremost start, and blazing scent. 

 Banish frost and banish snow, 

 Give us horses that can go. 



Sporting Magazine (1835). 



