The craze for sensational or dangerous exhibitions so frequently rebuked by _Punch_ in connexion with the performances of Blondin and his imitators cannot be regarded as a specially Victorian weakness. Over pugilism and prize-fighting, as illustrated by the historic contest between Heenan and Sayers in 1860, he could wax enthusiastic. Sayers, by the way, was alleged to have earned £85,000 in one year, a sum which compares not unfavourably with the gains of modern champions. It was an age of non-intervention, but more robust in the expression of likes and dislikes, passions and prejudices, and in some respects less humane or refined in its pleasures. Sporting wagers which resulted in the riding of horses to death were growing rarer but had not altogether died out. The noble pastime of Alpine climbing was already established in 1858, but the combined attractions of healing waters and gambling tables were a more potent attraction to wearied legislators of the gilded breed. The manners of the British traveller were not always above reproach, and _Punch_ in his Almanack for that year, employs his ironical method to explain our unpopularity:-- WHY ENGLISHMEN ARE BELOVED UPON THE CONTINENT Because they are always so careful to abstain from either word or action, which, in any way, might hurt the feelings of a foreigner. Because they never institute odious comparisons between things in general abroad and those they've left at home, unless indeed it is to the disparagement of the latter. Because they never brag about the "freedom of a British subject," in countries which are under a despotic form of government. Because they speak so fluently in any continental language, and always are so affable when publicly accosted by a stranger, and so ready at all times to enter into conversation with those they may be travelling with. Because they don't bawl for beer at a first-class table d'hôte, nor make wry faces at the wine as though it disagreed with them. Because they never in the least let trifles put them out, and however much they are annoyed they do their utmost to conceal it, instead of (as has been maliciously asserted) seizing with delight on every opportunity to give their temper vent, and express themselves dissatisfied with everything that's done for them. Because whatever provocation they may think they have received, they are so careful not to let strong language pass their lips; and so far from making extracts from the Commination Service, are never heard to use an exclamation more forcible than "Dear me!" or "Now really, how provoking!" A few years later _Punch_ took up the cudgels on the other side, but the rebuke here administered was undoubtedly deserved. Foreign travel, however, was restricted by the passport trouble in 1858, and _Punch_ saw in the restriction a chance for the native hotel-keeper, if he would only reduce his charges.