xii INTRODUCTION. 



tion, and the dreadful anarchy and warfare which 

 it, for years, created throughout the whole of 

 Europe. 



Certain it is, that whenever danger from with- 

 out, or the attempts of anarchists at home, have 

 threatened this country, since the expulsion of 

 James II, the yeomanry have never failed to 

 throng to the national standard, under the guid- 

 ance of our nobility and landed gentry ; and 

 nothing can exceed the courage and good under- 

 standing with which both classes have acted on 

 such occasions. 



But it is not only in this sense that the national 

 character is benefited. Our upper and middle 

 classes, shunning the frivolous pursuits of the 

 effeminate nobility of the continent, and following 

 manly exercises in the fresh air of their native plains, 

 hills and woods, invigorating both their minds and 

 bodies ; while their offspring, partaking these 

 effects, grow up bold and vigorous, for the defence 

 of their country, both by sea and land, and fitted 

 for all the active and laborious pursuits of life. 



In addition to the vast sum of money which is 

 annually run for in stakes, plates, matches, &c., 

 a large amount is circulated by the breeders, and 

 more especially the owners, of race-horses,^ among 



* In 1821, the number of race-horses in respect of which assessed 

 duties were charged amounted to 579; in 1833, to 1007. 



