INTRODUCTION. 



THE LOVE OF SPORT is a feeling inherent in most 

 Englishmen, and whether in the chase, or with the rod 

 or gun, they far excel all other nations. In fact, the 

 definition of this feeling cannot be understood by- 

 many foreigners. We are frequently ridiculed for 

 fox-hunting : ' What for all dis people, dis horses, 

 dis many dog ? dis leetle (how you call him ?) dis 

 " fox " for to catch ? ha ! you eat dis creature ; he 

 vary fat and fine ? ' 



This is a foreigner's notion of the chase ; he hunts 

 for the pot ; and by Englishmen alone is the glorious 

 feeling shared of true, fair, and manly sport. The 

 character of the nation is beautifully displayed in all 

 our rules for hunting, shooting, fishing, fighting, etc. ; 

 a feeling of fair play pervades every amusement. Who 

 would shoot a hare in form ? who would net a trout 

 stream ? who would hit a man when down ? A 



