CHAPTER XXIV. 



CONCLUSION. 



There are times and seasons in the lives of men and 

 nations, when it is advantageous to take stock of their 

 position, and the same holds good of sports and pastimes, 

 as well as in matters of business and commerce. 



For me this seems a suitable opportunity. My life 

 coincides with the last half of the century, the landmarks 

 are therefore prominent, and the horizon is clearly defined. 



What, then, is the key-note of the whole. It may, 

 perhaps, be summed up in the single word " Pace." 

 Everything now gives place to this. In it is embodied 

 the feverish haste and love of constant change, which now 

 characterises the nation. It is even shown by its amuse- 

 ments, by the rise of the popular taste for the Palace of 

 Varieties, and the decline of solid worth, typified by the 

 opera and classical music. 



In every detail of life a tendency is shown to have 

 something new and showy, regardless of lasting qualities. 

 " Jerry " buildings take the place of the old-fashioned 

 houses, built to last for centuries. The broad-cloth which 

 made the fame of British goods pre-eminent throughout 

 the world, and which could be worn for half a lifetime, is 

 ousted from its place by shoddy-made clothes. The taste 

 being now for newness and cheapness, honest workman- 

 ship is at a discount, and goods are only "made to sell." 



