162 BIPEDS AND QUADRUPEDS. 



use, but the abuse of what f)ubUc opinion counte- 

 nances. Few men will bear to be told that any thing 

 they choose to do is .flagitious, even admitting that 

 it is so ; but any man of common sense will listen 

 to suggestions that show how that which he is de- 

 termined to do may be done with less suffering 

 to man or beast, and with equal gratification to 

 himself. 



That steeple-chasing is to be carried on without 

 barbarity, and with all its exciting features existing, 

 is beyond doubt, and if so carried on, let it take its 

 turn with other sports ; but if such scenes are to 

 recur as have occurred, the w^orld will, I am sure, 

 quite agree with Mr. Harrison in saying it ought to 

 be abolished altogether. 



The same essay deprecates pigeon shooting. I 

 respect and admire the kindness of feeling in the 

 author that has produced his philippic against it, 

 and if I venture any palliatory remarks, I beg it may 

 not be attributed to any prejudice in its favour or 

 predilection for the sport, for I never shot at a pigeon 

 from a trap in my life. I boast of no superior feel- 



