Gracing
That more or less new form of amusement, the racing of greyhounds, has made its own, and not very suitable port- manteau word. Gracing" is established and possesses its own official organ. In a recent copy co-operation is urged between the coursers of hares, whether living or electric, on the curious ground that this would make coursing more "virile." Now the coursing of the hare is by its nature the least virile of all sports. It is essentially gladiatorial. Spectators gather together in safe idleness to watch one animal kill another. Hunting people ride, which is a virile occupation, and run-some risk; though Mr. Jorrocks under- stated the odds when he suggested that hunting, though the image of war without its guilt, had only 25 per cent. of the danger. Beaglers run, indulging in another virile sport ; and run many miles before a hare is killed. Shooting men must be skilful : "What is it steels the sportsman's heart I
It is his conscious pride of art,."
Contrariwise the spectator of coursing usually waits for the hare to circle round him. It is not easy to see how the sport can be made more virile by association with an amusement that depends for its attraction in no small measure on the gamble. Virility is not an attribute that can be enhanced in any way by spectacular interest in killing.
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