Pedestrianism

MODERN PEDESTRIANISM, 4S The extraordinary exploitsof modernpedes­ trians have been generally encouraged by the patronage of men of fortune and rank ; and FOOT-MATCHES being made the subject of dis­ cussion, a difference of opinion gives occasion for wagers. Although it was maintained by Sir Charles Banbury, and some other eminent sportsmen, that a bet should not be taken on a FOOT-RACE ; yet, in reason, there can be no legitimate objection to such things, as what­ ever may be deemed doubtful, or of uncertain result, must be a fair subject of betting. Many astonishing feats of pedestrianism have been accomplished during the last and present century ; but it does not suit the limits of this work to record the whole of them, or even to enumerate all the exploits of every person who has been distinguished.— We can only relate the most conspicuous per­ formances of those who have acquired cele­ brity by their" general success, and whose matches, either against others, or against time, have attracted public attention. It would fill volumes to particularize every WALK or RACE F 2 that