THE FOX, 



253 



battle-axe, and not a hunting-whip, I saw by his 

 ungovernable rage at what had happened, that 

 nothing could have saved the butcher's dog, 

 (which, with its master, had regained in haste the 

 king s highway) from utter extermination. 



I am, and always have been, a staunch advocate 

 for protecting the breed of foxes ; and, T trust 

 that our sportsmen will allow, that when they draw 

 my covers, they very seldom meet with dis 

 appointment. 



I consider that the diversion of fox-hunting 

 does signal service to the nation at large. The 

 very nature of it, precludes the commission of those 

 disorders, which too often prevail in other amuse- 

 ments. Who is there, in these days, that can 

 point to any recreation of a public nature, free 

 from crime ? — aye, from systematic crime. Horse- 

 racing to wit, where we observe knavery and 

 cheating in superlative refinement. How many 

 of the craft are virtually robbed, before the race- 

 horse leaves the stable ? — how many of these noble 

 animals have actually been poisoned by designing 

 betters? What bolts, and locks, and vigils are 

 required, to guard against, and shut out mischief 

 of the blackest dye ? And, when the day of 

 starting comes, say what hordes of pick-pockets 

 swarm in every quarter ? These are watched by 



