ON RACING. 269 



contains surely nothing in the least demo- 

 ralising ; but, on the contrary, is one which 

 should call forth the nobler, rather than the 

 baser, instincts of human nature. Indeed, 

 we could imagine the sport being so con- 

 ducted — say, in an ideal Platonic Republic — • 

 as to be one of the purest and most healthy 

 of the numerous forms of recreation which 

 are so essential to the well-being of a 

 nation. 



But, corrupt as the sport of horse-racing 

 has unfortunately become in general estima- 

 tion, the roguery practised is, I feel sure, very 

 far less universal than is imagined by that 

 highly respectable portion of the community 

 which, naturally attracted by the inherent 

 fascination of the sport, nevertheless holds 

 aloof from it through a righteous horror 

 and personal dread of the trickery with 

 which it is so commonly associated. There 

 are many rogues undoubtedly engaged in the 

 game, and many horses are not run to win. 



