may be most readily deduced from numerous instances of malignant passions engendered by this custom; of which the following fact, recorded in the obituary to the "Gentleman's Magazine" for April 1789, is an instance. Died, April 4, at Tottenham, John Ardesoif, esq. a young man of large fortune, who in the splendour of his carriages and horses, was rindled by few country gentlemen. He was Tery fond of cock-fighting; and had a favourite cock, upon which he had won many profitable matches; but he lost his last bet, which so enraged him, that he had the bird tied to a spit and roasted before a large fire. The screams of the miserable animal were so affecting, that some gentlemen, who were present, attempted to interfere; which so enraged Mr. Ardesoif, that he seized a poker, and with the most furious vehemence, declared, he would kill the first man who interposed; but in the midst of his passionate asseverations, he fell dead upon the spot. Such, we are assured, were the circumstances which attended the death of this great pillar of humanity."
Shooting. That strange perverseness which induces man to form a principal amusement on the sufferings rather than the happiness of inoffensive animals, indicates a corrupt and vicious habit. Tho' goaded by no necessity, nor actuated by self-defence, he marks the fields with devastation, rejoices at spectacles of blood, smiles over the struggling expiring victim, and, exulting, cries, "what sport is this!" The first of September is a day licenced by the legislature for the commencement of destruction, and is announced too fatally by the thunder of the gun. Shooting is an expeditious death and has less of cruelty in it than the sports of the chase, when the stroke is effectual; but the most expert markman frequent-
