Page:Cynegetica.djvu/20

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
4
Introduction

doors, unleſs they have ſome other equally intereſting to call them to the field.

But rural diverſions, when followed in a liberal manner, (for I do not wiſh to renew the almoſt extinguiſhed breed of mere hunting 'Squires,) are particularly uſeful in this iſland, where, from the nature of our Government, no man can be of conſequence without ſpending a large portion of his time in the country, and every additional inducement to this mode of life is an additional ſecurity to our freedom and independence. I much queſtion whether our morals, or even our manners, are greatly improved by that ſtyle of living, which empties our country feats to fill the metropolis, or the large provincial towns; and whether the manly character that oncediſtinguiſhed