212 
WILD BEASTS AND THEIR WA YS 
CHAP. 
would quickly share their fate should the existing 
laws be abolished. 
The character of the nation would be severely 
affected should the game of the country disappear. 
No pursuit can be more conducive to a development 
of manly instincts than that of either shooting or 
hunting. It teaches a man to be quick, and ready 
for any opportunity or emergency ; he must have a 
correct eye for country, and considerable decision of 
character. He must be a good rider, and must 
excel both with the rifle and the smooth-bore; he 
must be hardy in constitution, and sound in wind 
and limb, if he is to enjoy the exercise which must 
accompany all field sports, whether on horseback or 
on foot. 
At the present day England takes the lead in 
the manufacture of first-class fire-arms. The reason 
may be accepted, that those who enjoy the sports 
of the field can afford to pay for the best quality. 
This is an important industry that would be almost 
effaced should the game of the country disappear. 
In the vast Empire of India, where extensive tracts 
of dense jungle were considered sufficient to ensure 
the security of wild animals, it has been found 
necessary within the last twelve months to introduce 
special laws for the preservation of the game, which 
was fast disappearing before the unremitting attacks 
of man. 
In Ceylon there have been stringent game-laws 
for many years, but in spite of this undeniable 
necessity, there are persons who madly clamour 
