[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
Sta,—The suggestion that the drag could take the place of the fox-hunt is no doubt partly true, but in these days of constant change and artificial substitutes of every description, one may perhaps be forgiven for sharing the preference of our horses and hounds for the real thing in the most English of all sports. The advance of civilization tends to make us not only gentler but softer and too soft, and it is surely worth while to keep alive so vigorous a school of manly and strenuous endeavour.
Dare I conclude by deprecating the strangely confident rectitude of these humanitarian reformers ? Fox-hunters
are quite prepared to recognize that one man's meat may be another man's poison, and would force no one to hunt against his will, even to the great advantage of his body and soul. Is it too much to expect that our kind-hearted zealots should exercise the same tolerance, and enhance the sanctity of their jehad by a little forbearance towards the failings of their less enlightened fellow men ?—I am, Sir, &c.,
ONE OF TILE YOUNG IDEA.
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