CHAPTER XVII 



FOXHUNTING 



LORD LYON, who was British Ambassador in 

 Paris during the nineteenth century, is reported 

 to have said that there were two things which 

 disagreed with him : abstinence and exercise. 



The good foxhunter takes the opposite view. He 

 will tell you that hard riding which gives violent 

 exercise is the mainspring of an enjoyable healthy 

 life, and as for abstinence, unless he gives due 

 attention to it, regulates his own food, his horseflesh 

 will cost him more, and again, in proportion as his 

 wine bill rises so will his courage sink. Most likely 

 His Lordship's training provided other means for 

 keeping fit. There are others in Paris, I believe. 



It has been my good fortune throughout life to 

 enjoy a long innings of foxhunting. Sometimes I 

 think that perhaps I have had more than my share, 

 and then when I think again I come to the conclusion 

 that if less had come my way, no more would have 

 gone to the less fortunate. This thought reinstates 

 my peace of mind. It is surprising what little it 

 takes to clear your conscience when you have a 

 strong leaning in a certain direction. When you 

 want to do something, a way is generally found to 



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