FOX-HUNTING. 3 



whether mounted or pedestrian ; and the latter 

 have for some years past shown a keenness for and 

 appreciation of the sport which, though it sometimes 

 does not conduce to its advancement or consummation, 

 is not only remarkable, but also a healthy sign of its 

 continuance In the future. 



But the fact is that fox-hunting — from the cream 

 of the cream of sportsmen described by " Nimrod," 

 to the humbler class immortalised by " Jorrocks " — 

 spreads a vast amount of pleasure, satisfaction with 

 self, and goodwill towards others over a wide surface 

 of humanity. All classes enjoy it. The "good man 

 across country," proud of his skill — prouder still of 

 his reputation, and anxious, sometimes too anxious, to 

 retain it — perhaps derives the keenest enjoyment of 

 all, so long as all goes well ; but this important proviso 

 shows that his position is not so secure, as regards 

 happiness, as that of his humbler, less ambitious, or 

 less proficient brethren. A slight accident, a bad 

 start, a sudden turn of the hounds — especially if in 

 favour of some distinguished rival on the other flank 



i 2 



