76 FIELD SPORTS 



seven, is not only a step in the right direction, but one 

 of imperative necessity, as brick and mortar extend 

 around them in every direction. And what would London 

 be without its Parks and Gardens, even to the rich, who 

 have the means of locomotion ? Of how much more 

 vital importance, then, are such places to the poor ! 



To return to the amusements of town life, and place 

 them in juxtaposition with those of the country, it will, 

 I think, be admitted that from the former spring debility 

 and effeminacy, whilst from the latter strength and 

 health are derived. 



In a national point of view, therefore, we may advocate 

 the cause of field sports, and all manly exercises and 

 recreations, as conducive to the welfare and exalting the 

 character of every nation. Yes, I repeat deliberately, 

 exalting the character of a nation, by calling into exercise 

 those mental and physical quaUties which prepare men 

 for great and hazardous exploits. The boy who has been 

 accustomed to bear the fatigues and brave the dangers 

 of the hunting field — to disregard cold — and submit 

 patiently to those privations which attend a sportsman's 

 life, will be, when a man, the first to charge the ranks of 

 the enemy, and the fittest to endure the hardships of a 

 campaign. At the same time, we must not be understood 

 to mean that hunting and shooting are to be the sole 

 business of a man's hfe ; we speak of them only as 

 recreative pastimes, when the bow is to be imstrung from 

 other necessary occupations. We speak of field sports 

 and country amusements as spirit-stirring, healthful, 

 cheerful diversions, tending to invigorate the mind and 

 body, in opposition to those of the city, which lead to 

 debility, luxury, sensuality, and ruin of constitution. 



Notwithstanding the childish prating of the Cobden 



