36 SPORT. 



quarter, but ride over and are ridden over with equal 

 complacency, without a hound in sight or apparent 

 cause for their violent exertions and daring enterprises. 

 For though the post of honour may be in front, the 

 post of danger is in the metie of the rear. Honour 

 to the brave, then, here as in the front. Here, as 

 in the front, there is perfect equality. Here, also, as 

 everywhere in the field, there are the self-assertion, 

 independence, communistic contempt for private 

 property, and complete freedom of action, which 

 constitute the main charm of the sport. No questions 

 of precedence here ; every man is free to ride where 

 he likes. The chimney sweep can go before the 

 duke, and very often does so. Here, as in the front, 

 precedence at a fence, gap, or gate is settled on the 

 lines of the 



Good old plan, 



That he should take who has the power, 

 And he should keep who can. 



The late Mr. Surtees, whose " Jorrocks," "Sponge," 



