FOX-HUNTING.
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
Sin,—May I add to your correspondence on the fox the point
of view of the teacher ?
How are we in hunting districts to inculcate in our children the truth of the maxim, "Two to one is not fair," when every week they join with hundreds in chasing one sentient creature to its death ? How can we hope to encourage this sense of decency—much less their reverence for all life—so long as they are forced to suffer the revolting Practice of being blooded—i.e., smeared. with the warm blood of their victim— in the belief that it is cowardly to shrink from the so-called honour ?
Much has been said of the fine. qualities gained by hunting, but it is, perhaps, only the teachers who realize the serious effect on a child's mind, and the shock sustained by its finer sensibilities.
May I quote one instance ? I suggested the fox's point of view to a little girl aged eight, and she at once said : "Oh well, of course I haven't got to think what I'm doing."—! am,
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