THE INSPIRATION OF THE INN 223 



modern flesh -bearing breeds originated in England. 

 John Bull has ever had a weakness for the toothsome 

 viands. There is nothing much the matter with his 

 stomach or his appetite. He has for generations 

 preferred life in the open country to a mere existence 

 in the midst of crowds. He loves his horses and his 

 hounds. The horn of the hunter is to him the sweet- 

 est of all sounds next to the full-throated music of 

 the pack. He lives much among his four-footed 

 friends. He understands them. He learned long ago 

 how to develop them to a high state of perfection. 

 He keeps a good table. He is a generous and par- 

 ticular provider. His beef and his chop must be of 

 the sort that satisfies. He objects not at all to the 

 liberal proportion of fat that ever lies alongside the 

 juicy cut that nourishes the body and makes glad 

 the heart. 



He demanded something wholesome, something 

 substantial, something good to eat and drink, not only 

 in his home, but at the hands of "mine host" of the 

 village inn. His business took him frequently to his 

 nearest market town, and after the bargaining was 

 over for the day, it was his wont to join his colleagues 

 of the countryside, men of similar type and tastes, 

 at the "King's Head," the "White Horse," the "Black 

 Bull," or other local public house. Here, over bread 



