THEIR DEFENCE 13 



measures fairly balanced, and then we 

 need have little fear of the verdict. 



Let, then, those who profess to love 

 the people more than we do and cer- 

 tainly do express their affection more 

 often and volubly before they deal with 

 the question of sport, consider the points 

 in favour of partridge-shooting, the most 

 universal and popular form of sport in 

 this country. For their benefit let us 

 summarize the arguments in favour of 

 our pastime, viewed in the most material- 

 istic spirit we can compass. 



Partridge - shooting is a valuable by- 

 product of successful agriculture, to the 

 operations of which it is in no sense 

 inimical. 



It alone induces men with money to 

 pass their autumns in remote country 

 districts, where their presence stimulates 

 the local trade, and puts much - needed 

 money in circulation. 



It permanently supports a numerous 

 class, the gamekeepers of Britain, who 

 preserve those virile qualities so necessary 



