THE FOX. 



255 



thirsty callers, — as these may be many miles off 

 during the whole course of the day. 



Nobody, be he ever so calculating a knave, 

 will have the opportunity of betting seriously upon 

 any particular horse, as it cannot possibly be 

 watched with due attention. It may suddenly 

 get its neck broken, and be heard of no more, 

 as I myself once witnessed. Its rider may be 

 thrown, or may not be disposed to continue longer 

 in the chase. 



These, and many other incidents, are perpetually 

 occurring, and militate decidedly against gambling 

 in any of its odious phases. In fine, they are an 

 everlasting bar to the entrance of prowling knaves 

 and calculating thieves, into our delightful, healthful, 

 peaceful, and national exercise, well known under 

 the usual denomination of fox-hunting. 



Long may Great Britain boast of her useful 

 pastime, (which is unique of its kind) free from 

 knaves, free from pick-pockets, free from the 

 necessity of a police-attendance, free from black- 

 legs, — in a word, free from everything that may 

 cause a man to say, he repents of having joined 

 in the chase, or to confess, that he has not found 

 himself better in health and spirits, after the day's 

 sport was over, than before it began. It is my 

 wish, as I have already declared, my wish, my 



