321 



assembled at as many shillings as would represent the enthusiasm 

 the purchaser might have for his man. After each of the com- 

 batants had shied his hat or cap— or as old BeWs Life used to call 

 it, his castor — into the ring, they entered. Immediately they 

 were disrobed by their seconds, and stood clothed only in light 

 breeches, stockings and shoes or boots, with, at times, their colours 

 tied as a sash around their waists. Advancing to the scratch, the men 

 shook hands, in accordance with P.R. etiquette. Then, upon "Time" 

 being called by the referee, the fight began. 



For the first few rounds between two well-matched scientific boxers, 

 in good condition, and fighting to win, there is no doubt a great deal 

 to interest a man who is fond of the science. After that, however, when 

 the men get badly punished, the exhibition, to a man of ordinary 

 susceptibility, ceases to have interest, and it gradually becomes to 

 him disgusting. 



No need to describe a prize-fight, as the narratives of Flowers and 

 Keate, and that which I shall give of Sayers and Heenan, sufiice ; but 

 I shall describe the conduct of those who, in greatest numbers, consti- 

 tuted the outer ring. During the whole time the fight lasted these 

 demons would keep up tumult and uproar, each shouting remarks upon 

 the fighting or encouragement to the man he wished to win. According 

 as the fight was prolonged, and became doubtful as to result, the 

 excitement and vociferation increased until at last Pandemonium could 

 not possibly surpass it. Along the line of demarcation would usually 

 be arrayed a lot of bullies and prize-fighters, to keep from breaking 

 into the inner ring those of the outer. Sturdy and determined as these 

 fellows were to do their duty, towards the end of nearly all great and 

 protracted fights the precincts would be broken and the reserved space 

 invaded by a crowd of howling rufiians maddened with the most brutal 

 excitement. Owing to their conduct, seldom had there been for years 

 a conclusion of a prize-fight brought off with fair play. And, as was 

 the case in the great fight between Sayers and Heenan, the ring itself 

 was continually broken into. 



Degraded as these men were, and with organisation not superior 

 to the brute creation, some of them possessed a degree of courage 

 quite phenomenal ; and many of them would fight until they died 

 rather than give in to an antagonist. 



With all their brutality these roughs were to some extent amenable 

 to the law, for a few policemen were, as a rule, sufficient to put a stop 

 to a prize-fight around which would be gathered two hundred of the 

 greatest ruffians in London. 



Rum conditions exist even m English law. A prize-fight would be 

 stopped by the local authorities, but by removing into the next county, 

 which might be within a few hundred yards, the fight could be continued 

 and ended, the same officers of the law who had prevented it in the first 

 instance looking on, inasmuch as it was then conducted on ground 

 outside their jurisdiction ! 



Y 



