FOX-HUNTING 9 



beat up our quarters more than half a dozen times 

 in the whole year. Upon the whole, we lived a 

 pleasant life — short and disturbed perhaps, but 

 safe from trap and gun, and in the midst of 

 plenty ; but now that you have interfered with 

 your humanity, there has come out a general 

 order to shoot and destroy us wherever we may 

 be found, till our ancient family is exterminated. 

 And this is out of your special kindness ! " 



Such is the opinion of that great statesman 

 Lord John Russell, and the thanks of all his 

 brother sportsmen are due to Sir Herbert Max- 

 well for tracing the authorship of that eloquent 

 and truly sensible passage. I cannot do better 

 than conclude by commending Lord John Russell's 

 words to all, friends and enemies of sport alike, 

 and to wish the former all sorts of good luck 



When they meet once again, 



Though it sleet or it rain, 



For the sport that is always new. 



