, with constitutions of iron, and made
like perfect models of humanity. Their names are unknown in these
days, although in those of the long past gentlemen of the first
position were proud of their acquaintance; and these men, although
their profession was battering one another, were as little inclined
to brutality as any. And when it is remembered that they played their
game in accordance with strict rules and on the most scientific
principles, it will be seen that cruelty formed no part of their
character.

The true sportsmen of the period, amongst whom were the highest in the
social and political world, took the same interest in contests in the
ring as they did on the turf or in the cricket-field, and for the same
reason. Whether Jem Mace would beat Tom Sayers had as much interest
at fashionable dinner-tables as whether Lord Derby would dispose
of Aberdeen or Palmerston. Lords and dukes backed their opinion
in thousands, and the bargee and the ostler gave or took the odds
according to the tips, in shillings. The gentleman of the long robe,
therefore, was not to be supposed as altogether out of his element
in sporting circles any more than the gentleman who had not a rag to
cover him.

Nor was it uncommon to meet what was called the cream of society
at the celebrated rendezvous of Ben Caunt, which was the Coach and
Horses, St. Martin's Lane, or at the less pretentious resort of the
Tipton Slasher; and what will our modern ladies think of their fair
predecessors, who in those days witnessed the drawing of a badger or a
dog-fight on a Sunday afternoon?

All mankind will attend exhibitions of skill and prowess, and although
prize-fights are illegal, you never can suppress the spirit which
engendered that form of competition.

I spent sometimes, with many eminent spectators, a quiet hour or two
at Tom Spring's in Holborn, and met many of the best men there in all
ranks and professions, always excepting the Church. After one of these
entertainments I was travelling with John Gully, once a formidable
champion of the ring, and at that time a great bookmaker, as well
as owner of racehorses--afterwards presented at Court to her most
gracious Majesty the late Queen--and Member of Parliament. We were
travelling on our way to Bath, and as we approached a tunnel not far
from our destination, Gully pointed out a particular spot "where,"
said he, "I won my first fight;" and so proud was he of the
recollection that he might hav