THEIR DEFENCE 15 



Social reformers of to-day seem only 

 too apt to attack existing institutions 

 which seem to minister to the pleasures 

 of the few, without pausing to consider 

 on what basis they rest, and how far they 

 are conducive to the welfare of the 

 community. Fair play all round has 

 from time immemorial been the boasted 

 characteristic of our race, and if people 

 would only try to approach such a subject 

 as this with a comparatively open mind, 

 listen to what both sides have to say on 

 the question, and then work the matter 

 out to a reasoned conclusion, they would 

 surely be led to better ways of thinking. 



On the other side it cannot be too 

 strongly impressed on sportsmen that 

 their sport is a luxury, which they enjoy 

 through the toleration of the community, 

 and that their responsibilities are not at 

 an end when they have paid the rent of 

 the shooting and taken out a game license. 



Their attitude towards the dwellers on 

 the land they shoot over cannot be too 

 considerate and thoughtful. Here, for 



