FOX-HUNTING [To the Editor of the SrEeTATort.1 SIR,—On the subject
of fox-hunting ; one of your correspon- dents drew a comparison between it and bull fighting, and it recalled an old hunting song to me that we often- sang after " mess " fifty years ago. There was one verse that ran as
follows : . .
- Bulls in gay, Seville are led forth to slaughter,- ,
Nor dames in their rapture the .spectacle shocks ; Better in England the charms of each 'daughter, ' Nor dreads the fair damsel 'to folloiv the fox. - Spain may delight in a sport more exciting, .
But instead of -bull fighting . we fatten the ox ; , Song shall declare a way, how, to drive care away,
Age and deifair away, hunting the -fox."
_
I have read recent correspondence in -your paper, and I
claim that no case has been made against if (if we except the poisonous practice of "digging out," for which there cannot be any excuse) unless we are prepared to abolish every form of sport (except greyhound racing, which is really Only an excuse -for betting). It is essentially_ a national sport, arid ought to be the last to go, if we are_ quite sure that the fox gets fair play. But, does he ? This is what. I am sure he
thinks - - -
(1) I ought to be given a fair start, and I ought not to be inter- fered with when I have once got away. As it is, I find the greatest difficulty in gettingnway as a rule and, since these infernal motors have been invented, I cannot shake them off, and I am "headed" again and .again. (2) There ought not to be so many of my special enemies broaght against me. I have counted up to 50;and after I have been running for a few miles they are all over the place, giving tongue, so that I cannot decide in which direction safety lies. If I am allowed to have a voice in the matter I would suggest ten or twelve. (3) There ought to be some recognized. distance that I must run before I am safe ; and, 'having-made 'thy -point, I ought never to be interfered with. At present I may run eight, ten, or even twelve wiles, and still find my refuge stopped against me, and I do not 'think this is fair. (4) No assistance of any •kind Ought to be given to niy speeiril -eriernies',- if 1- dazi 'itticei3ed- in -" Ofittiristherii Off -411-i ant." I 'Wert
to reap the benefit, and no excited two-footed enemy who may happen to see me ought to be allowed, to make distracting noises to call attention to the fact. • - (5) If these rules were faithfully kept, I would feel that I had 'been given a fair field and no favour, and on these conditions I am quite prepared to continue the game.
—I am, Sir, &c.,
THE lArrix RED ROVER.
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