254 RECORDS OF THE CHASE 



many from participating in the sport during a great 

 part of the season unless they moved with the hounds 

 from place to place — an event entailing great expense. 

 The early hour for the commencement of operation* — 

 daybreak — although perfectly congenial with the social 

 customs of our grandfathers, who were wont to dine at 

 one, would be tantamount to exclusion when con- 

 sulting the popular taste and habits of the present 

 period. Intent upon the destruction of the vulpine race 

 as our forefathers were — for neither Beckford nor 

 Somerville utters a syllable about the preservation of 

 foxes, an early hour was in some respects desirable. 

 The poet says : — 



*' For these nocturnal thieves, huntsman, prepare 

 Thy sharpest vengeance. Oh ! how glorious 'tis 

 To right th' oppress'd, and bring the felon vile 

 To just disgrace! Ere yet the morning peep. 

 Or stars retire from the first blush of day. 

 With thy far echoing voice alarm thy pack 

 And rouse thy bold compeers." 



There were many of the most zealous advocates and 

 steady supporters of the chase who recognised in 

 steeple-chasing an attraction which would seduce the 

 rising generation from the legitimate amusement of 

 their forefathers ; nor were those apprehensions alto- 

 gether groundless. When at its zenith it probably had 

 that effect to a certain extent ; but the ill-savoured pro- 

 ceedings which have pervaded a host of speculators en- 

 gaged in questionable performances have driven 

 modern sportsmen possessed of either wealth or reputa- 

 tion away from the arena. As an inducement to enlist 

 under the banner of steeple-chasing distinction betting 

 was a powerful auxiliary, and on that rock the argosy 

 has split. Happily the hunting field has never been 

 made the nucleus for betting transactions ; if that ever 

 were to be the case it would quickly fall from its high 

 estate. 



