FAREWELL TO THE SPEAR. 105 



appropriately than with a quotation from the pen 

 of that well-known and gallant shikari, the late, I 

 am afraid, Major Henry Shakespear one of the 

 best men on horse or foot, with spear or rifle, 

 among the many good men that the Indian army 

 is associated with. He says, c The training that 

 makes a sportsman makes a soldier ; it gives him 

 endurance, and ability to stand exposure to the 

 sun and climate ; it gives him an eye for country 

 and familiarity with danger .... and I could 

 mention names of men who have been well-known 

 for their courage and skill in all noble wood-craft, 

 who have from their early days followed the pur- 

 suits recommended in this book,* with advantage 

 to their own health, and, what is of more conse- 

 quence, to the benefit of mankind in general.' 

 Never were truer words written. Do you, oh, 

 young man, if ever you condescend to read these 

 poor literary attempts of mine, follow the advice 

 given above, and when, like me, you are incapaci- 

 tated, either through circumstances or health, 

 from again sharing in the darling sports of your 

 youth, you will, on recalling them, be able to 

 think with pleasure on c the days that are no 

 more.' 



* ' The Wild Sports of India,' by Major H. Shakespear. 



