282 THE NOBLE SCIENCE. 



arrived, if not at absolute perfection, at such a degi'ee 

 as may content its votaries; nor is there any lack of 

 goodly steeds; and tell it not in Gath, cry it not in 

 Askelon, that there ever can be lack of foxes ; that any 

 paltry considerations can effect the destruction of a 

 race of animals, possessing attractions alone sufficient 

 to induce a tide of wealth into the country. Those 

 who duly consider what the country would be without 

 fox-hunting, will scout a vulpecide as a common enemy. 

 It is needless to dilate upon all the advantages to be 

 derived from this pursuit; they are, and I trust ever 

 will be, so well understood, that whenever it has hap- 

 pened that any efficient establishment has had cause to 

 complain of the want of foxes in one season, its legiti- 

 mate supporters have generally found means to redeem 

 their character in the next. 



Finally, in recommendation of a country life, and of 

 the expediency of encouraging all that tends to the 

 enjoyment of rural occupations, be it remembered that 

 they are far more dependant upon natural, than artifi- 

 cial circumstances ; that any attempt at the destruction, 

 or neglect of the improvement of the sources of rational 

 and innocent diversion is at variance with the grand pre- 

 cept of " doing as we would be done by," and an abuse 

 of the gifts of Providence. 



" God made the country, and man made the town." 



Each season has its own peculiar charm, it is the work 



