THE SPORTING WORLD. 151 



consequently, if opportunity offers, lend his aid 

 to protect them ; but he is not called on to 

 pat himself out of his way to further the mere 

 amusement or sport of another, which he is not 

 permitted in any way to enjoy himself. 



The worst trait I know of in the character 

 of the Sportsman is the thorough inveteracy 

 with which many (I will in courtesy say some) 

 will pursue any man caught in the fact of 

 killing game. Many would take into considera- 

 tion his having a large family and several of 

 the usual pleas put forth on such occasions had 

 he stolen a sack of wheat worth thirty-five 

 shillings ; but the crime of snaring a hare 

 worth three would be held a crime worthy 

 transportation if the laws held it as such ; no 

 general character, no family urged as excuse, 

 would in many cases save the delinquent, though 

 in most things, but where game is the object 

 it would in law phrase be held at worst but 

 petty larceny, but recollect it is petty larceny 



