1238 
was then proposed by P.M. Br. Newton, who paid a well- 
deserved compliment to the master, for tlic excellent, wav m 
which he had passed through his year of office. Br. Hewlett, 
in returning thanks, eloquently dilated upon the beauties of 
freemasonry, urging every brother to carry out the princi- 
ples of the order a- far as in him lay, and not forget, m Ins 
present enjoyment, his less fortunate brethren, and his duty 
to the Great Architect above. The toast of the P.M. s —Bra. 
Newton. W. Watson, and Blackburn -was then given, who 
severally acknowledged the same, Br. Watson being un- 
usually laconic. The W.M. proposed the health of Ins suc- 
cessor, congratulating the brethren upon the excellent choice 
they had made, for he was sure, from the way in which Hr. 
Humphreys had frequently complimented him in his office, 
that he would make n most admirable master. Br. Humphreys 
responded, iu a humorous speech, saying “ that he had to 
charge the W.M. with violating one of the grand principles 
of the order — in fact, the grand principle, viz., Truth —when 
he said that he (Br. H.) would make a most admirable 
master, because, forsooth, lie had complimented him tor his 
excellent working ; now he wished it understood, that he 
certainly know when a dinner was well placed upon the 
table, and also when it was well cooked, but if he was asked 
to properly place it on the table, or to cook it, ho would find 
that, a very difficult task; so with regard to the chair— he 
knew when it. was well filled; in fact, the present year was a 
sample of how it ought to he filled; nevertheless, lie would 
try to follow the good example set him, and trusted the 
brethren would at least give him credit for endeavouring to 
deserve their good opinion.” The next toast was, “ The 
Brethren of the Army and Navy at present in the Crimea, 
wishing them a speedy relief to their sufferings, and a safe 
return to their native country.” Br. Knight returned thanks 
for the toast, aud said that “ the army and navy of England 
had only to be told they were wanted, and they were ready; 
they had in this expedition added fresh laurels to those 
already gained by them, despite every disadvantage of 
position aud numbers ; they had shown that high moral, as 
well as physical courage, that is inherent in the British 
soldier and sailor; their deeds at Alma aud Inkonnan had 
shed a halo of glory around them which time can never 
efface, and he hoped to hear, ere long, with the assistance of 
our brave allies, that not only Sebastopol had fallen, but that 
the Czar aud his vile advisers were buried in its ruins." Br. 
Watson returned thanks for the masonic charities, and ably 
advocated tho cause of these admirable institutions. The 
Girls’ School had been established ever since 1766, and not 
one solitary instance b id been know n of any of its minutes 
bringing discredit on it ; to show the support this school re- 
ceives, it need only be Baid, that the subscriptions at the lust 
festival amounted’ to £1,600 ; the girls were not only taught 
to read and write, but instructed in such accomplishments 
as French, music, &c. Br. Watson briefly alluded to the 
other charities, and said, in conclusion, that “ he was glad 
to learn that the Grand Lodge had signified au iuteution 
(notwithstanding the many local claims upon it) to vote a 
large sum towards the Patriotic Fund.” Alter a few more 
toasts and speeches the brethren separated until the third 
Thursday in January. 
Masonic Proceedings at Oxford. — On Wednesday last 
the Brethren of tho Alfred City Lodge assembled at the 
Masonic Hall, for the purpose of installing the Worshipful 
Master elect, Brother John Thorp, sou of Mr. Alderman 
John Thorp. The ceremony of installation was admirably 
performed by Brother It. J. Spiers* Past Grand Sword- 
bearer of Englan 1, and late Mayor of this City. On the 
conclusion of the ceremony, the W.M. appointed the follow- 
ing Brethren to be his officers for the year : — Senior Warden, 
Br. J. T. Hester; Junior ditto, Br. Houghton; Chaplain. 
Br. Itev. J. S. Sidebothain, New College ; Treasurer, Br T. 
Randall ; Secretaries, Brs. J. G. Betteus and Hobbs; Senior 
Deacon, Br. E. Bevcrs ; Junior ditto, Br. ltaiusford ; Master 
of the Ceremonies, Br. Rev. T. Russell, St. John's College; 
Organists, Brs. Marshall and T. B. Hoskeu, Wor. Coll. ; 
Inner Grand, Br. E. G. Bruton. The anniversary festival 
of St. John the Evangelist was held iu the evening, when a 
large number of Brethren, including the Deputy Provincial 
Grand Master, Br. Capt. Bowyer, Br. Alderman R. J, Spiers, 
Br. Aid. Dudley, the W.M. of the Churchill Lodge, Br. T. 
Joy, Br. Rev. W. P. Walsh, Vicar of Stanton Hareourt, no 
fewer than fourteen past masters sat down to au elegant 
banquet provided by the stewards, Brs. Frazer aud TJiur- 
laud. The W.M., who was well supported by all his offi- 
cers, presided iu a very able manner, introducing the 
various toasts in a neat and concise style, and afforded the 
best proof that he was qualified to discharge the duties 
which the Brethren, by their unanimous voice, selected him 
to fulfil. The addresses of the late Worshipful Master, Br. 
Ran Jail, of Capt Bowyer, and Br. Spiers, were well timed, 
and couched in st riking and appropriate terms. The evening 
was spent in that happy and social manner so peculiar to 
this Order; and, judging from the ‘‘ opening day” of the 
new Worshipful Master, aud the number of initiations which 
will shortly take place, there is every reason to hope that 
the coining year will be os prosperous, as far as Masonry is 
concerned, as the last. 
A VINDICATION OF FREEMASONRY. 
[Concluded from p. 1138.] 
In fact, there are secrets in every profession, trade, or 
calling, which are necessary to be known to every person 
practising them. You cannot learn any art or trade without 
serving your regular time, aud that according to the usual 
custom ; which, when done to the credit of yourself, and 
satisfaction of your master, you are entitled to be made 
acquainted with the secrets aud mysteries of your calling. 
Aud thus also as to Freemasonry ; for any person of a good 
moral character may be initiated iuto its mysteries. 
Enough has been said to prove that secresy is no crime, 
but lias, in all ages, been regarded as a virtue ; and that it is 
foolish for individuals to calumniate our ancient and honour- 
able order, on account of its secreay and other virtues. 
Another objection urged against Freemasonry by some, is 
the immoral conduct of some individuals belonging to it : in 
answer to which, it may be observed, that if a worthless 
member is found, it is habitual vice which has brought him 
to the sod condition. Vet the defects of a solitary individual 
are not to stamp an indelible stain on the whole Brother- 
hood. Such men are a disgrace to any society, much rnoro 
to Masonry ; and so far from being countenanced by their 
brethren, they are admonished, and have wholesome advico 
given them. But God alone is able to rectify tho heart — we 
can only use tho means. 
Freemasons relieve each other when in distress; they 
recommend each other ; they protect each other ; they do 
Dot shun the object of affliction, but with extended arms 
they receive him, and administer puch comfort as he may 
THE FIELD. 
need; and their abilities admit. They pay no attention to 
their country, religion, or colour ; if they are Masons it is a 
sufficient claim — an impostor cannot succeed. If all that is 
good and amiable — if all that is useful to mankind or society 
bo deserving a wise man’s attention, Freemasonry claims it 
in tho highest degree : it recommends every virtue that 
endears one man to another. Masonry countenances an 
error iu no individual ; it stamps an indelible mark of pre- 
eminence on its professors, which neither chance, power, nor 
fortune can bestow ou those who have not been initiated into 
its mysteries. It is a friend who will not deceive, but will 
comfort aud assist both in prosperity aud adversity, and 
may be had recourse to when all other earthly comforts fail. 
By brotherly love, Freemasons are taught to regard tho 
whole human species as one family — the high and low, the 
rich and poor — created by one Almighty Being, aud sent into 
the world for the aid, support, aud protection of each other. 
In conclusion, “may Freemasonry bens universal as its 
principles are pure may it. prove a blessing to its members; 
may they ever live up to tho spirit of the order; aud may 
all poor and distressed brothers meet with that relief their 
wants entitle them to receive, without regard to country, 
colour, religion, sect, or party. 
GGR LETTER BAG, 
♦ 
THE WHIP AND SPUR QUESTION.— LADIES AND 
THEIR HORSES. 
To the Editor oj The Field. 
Sir, — I abhor any cruelty to horses, and yet I have advo- 
cated the wearing of the spur by ladies, in your journal. I 
do not think the holding of these opinions irreconcilenblo, 
but as Borne of your correspondents appeal 1 to be of a dif- 
ferent opinion, and as I should regret if anything I may 
have written should, by being misunderstood, lead to tho 
illtreatment of horses, I must beg again a little space in your 
paper, to add a corollary to my former letter. If there were 
only two classes of Indy-riders, the one such as Miss Stafford 
is described, in the “Autobiography of a Horse,” who would 
scarcely touch her favourite even with a whip, and the other 
like Lady Julia's friend, who seems, by the cruel use of her 
spur, to have ridden a fine animal into broken wind, I would 
at once forbid the spur to all ladies, without exception. I 
confess, however, I have a better opinion of the good sense 
and feeling of many of the fair sex, and so can advise them 
to wear a spur, without fearing they will use it cruelly. I 
think the spur is useful, because its slight and very occasional 
use makes many lioraes more alert and lively — renders some 
animals, which without it are really unfit to ride for pleasure, 
agreeable to the rider, and is the best and readiest method 
of subduing a refractory or obstinate horse. Every man who 
has ridden much will acknowledge the truth of the above 
remarks, and, however humane, uses a spur for these pur- 
poses. If, therefore, the objection to ladies being armed with 
such an instrument of punishment, is that they have not 
sufficient sense to learn when to apply it with propriety, I 
for one cannot assent to that opinion, as, with proper teaching, 
they are as capable of understanding the nature and capa- 
bilities of tlie horse as the lords of the creation. 
If, again, the idea is, that they are so cruel as knowingly 
to torture the animal that carries them, and recklessly, by 
the use of the spur, to overtask his powers, I must still more 
emphatically dissent from it." That some such unlovely 
specimens of their sex may exist, there is no doubt, but they 
are rare exceptions ; and those who, as I do, advocate the 
wearing of the spur by ladies, condemn them quite as 
severely as any of the anti-spurites can. 
Your correspondent, in his interesting “ Autobiography of 
a Horse,” has given one or two very true specimens of lady 
riders, but I hope, before lie finishes the list, be will give us 
an instance of one who can ride until the spur, and yet use it 
only when necessary. Without this his catalogue will not 
be complete, as I am sure it would be unfair to give the 
public the impression, that all ladies who wear a spur use it 
in the way Lady Julia's friend describes herself to have 
done. 
I consider myself to be kind and considerate, beyond most 
men, iu my treatment of my horses, and yet I ride with 
spurs, and use them if necessary, but never unless. 
It is only because I believe ladies to be generally humane, 
and capable of equal discrimination with myself, that I have 
advised them, to increase the pleasure of their ride, to wear 
the spur also. — Your obedient servant, Justus. 
DRIVING. 
To Hie Editor o/Tue Field. 
Sin, — When the now management of The Field, to the 
great joy of all subscribers, was announced, it was promised 
that some space should be devoted to the encouragement of 
driri ii'/. As yet that promise has not been fulfilled; and my 
object iu troubling you with these few lines is to induce 
some person better qualified than myself for the to give 
your readers some advice upon the subject. For above a year 
we have had a very interesting correspondence carried ou iu 
The Field with respect to fair equestrians, aud now I should 
much like some advice to be given to those ladies who aspire 
to “ handle the ribbons,” and to distinguish themselves as 
whips. 
I think, Sir, the most beautiful sight with which we men 
are favoured is that of a handsome horse hearing the burden, 
and subject to the will and pleasure, of a beautiful woman. 
Aud, next to this, I do not know what is prettier than to see 
an equally beautiful woman dexterously driving a well- 
matched handsome pair of ponies. Now, Sir, it has often oc- 
curred to me that very few ladies know how to drive. A 
lady almost always uses her whip upon the legs of her steeds, 
which certainly, as it seems to me, should never he whipped. 
However, I am not going to enter upon the subject myself ; 
hut only wish to suggest to some great whip — if possible some 
fair adept in the art — to impart some knowledge upon tho 
subject to less successful practisors of the art. — I remain, 
Sir, yours obediently, p. p. 
[ Wo add our request to that of our correspondent, and 
we hope that some of our readers who are skilful whips 
will give to other readers who are not so the results of their 
experience. — E d. Field.] 
THE FIELD. 
To the Editor of Tiie Field. 
Sin, —I am gl id to see that The Fiei.D has passed iuto 
new hands, for I have lately heard many complaints respect- 
ing it, and I should he very sorry to see it decliue. May I 
offer the following suggestions : — 
1. That advertisements only be printed ou the first and 
last sheets of each number, so that when tho papers are 
bound up these may be cut off, for I find that the outside 
sheet, generally becomes much soiled. 
2. Not to leave articles unfinished. Some time ago 
“ Umbra ’’ began two distinct articles on shooting, neither of 
which has been yet concluded. 
3. Would it not be advisable to give a short notice of the 
proceedings at the universities : I mean such thiugs as class- 
lists, lists of those on whom degrees lmvo been conferred, 
&o., for no doubt many of the readers of The Field are 
interested iu these things. Perhaps, also, presentations to 
livings, Ac., might bo noticed, as also the names, value, and 
patrons of vacant beuefices. As you give a list of the pro- 
motions by the War-office, I see no reason why you should 
not notice also church matters, especially as most country 
gentlemen have one or more relations iu the church. 
4. Would it not be better to insert the hunting fixtures 
alphabetically ? I notice that the names of very many of 
the fixtures are mis-spelt nearly every week, but this may 
perhaps be the fault of tho had writing of your correspon- 
dents. The list might also embrace more packs than it does 
now. 
Pray continue to exclude all matter that would render 
Tiie Field unfit for the eyes of ladies. If I have offered 
anything that can be of service to you. I am sure you arc 
heartily welcome to it, as I take great interest in your news- 
paper, and am desirous that it should prosper. — Truly yours, 
Yorkshire, 22nd December, 1854. J. B. F. M. 
THE SALMON FISHERIES. 
Sin, — Seeiug some mention of salmou-netting, &e., iu 
vour valuable paper, I must also add my mite against that 
hurtful prac tice to salmon-fishers. I was accustomed to fish 
for salmon in many rivers iu England, and, till the last few 
years, had excellent sport. It is now some eight years ago 
since I first saw anybody netting or spearing salmon ; that 
was iu the weirs, or, I should say, just below them, in some 
of the rivers of Devonshire. I remonstrated against it, and, 
I believe, was quietly cursed, aud told that I had no busi- 
ness to interfere. Of course, the ground not belonging to 
me (I had leave to fish there), I could say nothing. Now 
this gradually increased, till, really, I could catch no fish at 
all. Now-, Mr. Editor, cannot we fishermen enter iuto some 
way of preserving these said salmon ? Say, that out of the 
population of England w e take 200 in 1,000 as fishermen, 
we should then have 15,400. Now these subscribing 10s. 
annually, we should get £2,700; we might then have one 
or more keepers for every ten miles of salmon-fishing in 
Great Britain. If this was found insufficient, we might add 
another 10s. each, aud double the number of keepers. Will 
you, Mr. Editor, have the goodness to lay this plan before 
the public, by means of your paper. I faucy it might bo 
adopted with great ease — give encouragement to fishermen, 
and, iu time, entirely put a stop to that infamous practice 
of netting or spearing salmon. I shall bo happy to further 
it in any way that I possibly can. Salmo. 
MANLY PURSUITS. 
Some people hate those amusements for which they them- 
selves have no taste, or for the enjoyment of which they have 
no capacity or capability. Hence it follows that some puny 
milksop, who has no taste either for riding, hunting, shoot- 
ing, fishing, yachting, or cricketing, smiles, or rather sneers, 
at the enjoyment which others experience in the pursuit of 
those amusements. I will not speak of gymnastics, because 
they rather approach the questionable pursuit of pugilism ; 
but, apart from the ruffianism of pugilism, what is more 
likely to make a good soldier than riding well across a 
country, or being strong and clever in gymnastics, the 
practice of the boxing gloves, the sword exercise, and the 
athletic games of Scotland. Lord Cardigan, when lie 
jumped the enemy's guns at Inkerman, would have lost his 
life had he not been a good cross-country rider ; and no doubt 
many other officers there escaped through their good hunting 
seat* ; for the military long stirrup-leather, with the toe just in 
the stirrup-iron, was never admitted to afford a good 6eat to 
hounds, and therefore not so good over the leaps and in- 
equalities of a rough field of battle as the military aud 
hunting scat combined. And what is more likely to inspire 
good seamanship than the beautiful appointments of a yacht, 
and the proud envy «■ emulation created by a fine Bet of 
well-paid aud nicely-clad seamen, forming its trim and expe- 
rienced crew ? I know no more beautiful and exhiliratiug 
sight than to sec afield of horsemen, splendidly mounted, by 
a cover side ; and w ho more nationally useful, as regards the 
breed of horses, I should like to know ? What more health - 
giviug than shooting, when well and discreetly followed up? 
What more recreative and contemplative to the less hardy 
and robust than fishing ? 
Of yachting I have spoken. What more manly, and 
muscle -forming, than cricket and gymnastics, fencing, sword 
exercise, single-stick, and the like ; and even the use of the 
boxing-gloves, ns a private exercise, rather than os a means 
of defence ; although, I must say, as one of tho old school, 
that it gives a man confidence when lie feels that he is able 
to give a fellow a well-merited lick on the head for some im- 
pertinent intrusion. I say that all these pursuits and exer. 
ciscs may he accompanied by reading, and book-learning, 
and the most useful knowledge ; and, as a proof of it, 
how many names of statesmen, members of parliament, 
county magistrates, and of eminent aud clever people, 
might be adduced in favour of mixing the animal 
(call it so if you please) and tho intellectual a 
little together. When I began this letter, I intended 
to inveigh against those who advocate the destruc- 
tion of game — a subject suggesting itself to me by tho 
tons upon tons of game which have been exposed for sale 
throughout this country, at this festive season, affording a 
groat treat, in the shape of food, for the middle classes— an 
opportunity for the interchange of little presents and civi- 
lities— but I must now leave off, and, with your permission, 
give these men “with soul so dead,” a word or two in Borne 
future number. Umdra. 
To the Editor of The Field. 
Sir, — It may he that I have overlooked it, but I have not. 
seen, in your admirable journul, the promised report of tho 
novel steeple-chase in Ireland between a fair dame and a 
gallant knight. I am sure the particulars would be interest- 
ing to many of your readers, aud not least so to your 
obedieut servant, P. P. 
The head mastership of St. Bee's Grammar School, ren- 
dered vacant by the preferment of the llev. Miles Atkin- 
son to the vicarage of II are wood, has been conferred by the 
Provost of Queen’s College, Oxford, upon the Rev. G. H. 
Hoslop, M.A., Rector of Euham, Hampshire. 
