10 GREAT MEN MOSTLY KEEN SPORTSMEN. 



youths, most of whom have been distinguished for 

 their love of field sports. As a conspicuous instance 

 of this, we may cite the name of Washington. 



It is impossible for the thoughtful man not to recognise 

 the enormous influence which " the adventurer " has 

 constantly exercised over the course of human events. 

 The history of mankind in every age has constantly 

 proved that the spirit of adventure burns strongly and 

 fiercely within the human breast; and probably no- 

 where shall we find its influence more strongly marked 

 than in the careers of those great men who have left 

 behind them imperishable records, as illustrious "men 

 of action." The early history of almost all those who 

 have afterwards been distinguished as great rulers of 

 mankind, or as great navigators, explorers, or prominent 

 soldiers of fortune, has proved the truth of this maxim. 

 Men may call it "ambition," or whatever else they 

 please, but it is this spirit to do and dare beyond 

 the range of common mortals, which has caused them 

 to seek the bubble reputation of leaders in this band 

 of adventurous men, some few of whom have thereby 

 risen to fame and honour. 



So also in the less obtrusive, but perhaps still nobler 

 sphere of literary or scientific renown. The philosophers, 

 of whom it may be said, that wherever in the world 

 of letters science is looked up to, and learning is 

 respected, there their names are known and honoured 

 all of them, in their own peculiar line, have been 

 enthusiasts, imbued with the spirit of adventure, which 

 has prompted them to seek in the hidden fields of 

 learning the path that leads to glory. 



The dull routine of existence, imposed by the 



