Of course, then as now, the better-thinking portion of the nation discountenanced these blackguard exhibitions, which were mainly supported by the “fast” set of that day—the JERRY HAWTHORNS and CORINTHIAN TOMS of the next decade. It is refreshing to read such paragraphs as the following: _Morning Post_, January 11, 1808: “PRIZE FIGHTING. We are happy to hear that there is some prospect of this most disgraceful and mischievous practice being put an end to by the interference of the Legislature. The consequences resulting from it become every day more and more serious, and, without a vigorous effort to terminate the evil, we may shortly expect to find numerous families reduced to the extremes of poverty and wretchedness, in consequence of those who have hitherto supported them by their industry having given themselves up to idleness and blackguardism, by entering the foul ranks, and becoming the constant associates of prize-fighting vagabonds.” _Ibid._: “The magistrates are _beginning_ to do their duty; they, last week, dissolved a meeting of Boxers who were sparring for money. His Majesty’s Navy wants able-bodied men, and those lovers of fighting could hardly complain, if they were compelled to box with _French_ instead of _English_ men.” _Morning Post_, February 3, 1808: “PRIZE FIGHTING. We are rejoiced to find that we have not in vain called attention to the growing evil of this disgraceful, mischievous, and baleful practice. Mr. Justice GROSE, in his Charge to the Grand Jury, yesterday, particularly noticed its pernicious effects, and forcibly urged the necessity of a speedy remedy; and we may, therefore, hope, ere long, to see the progress of this species of blackguardism and vice effectually arrested. We shall take an early opportunity of offering some further reflections upon the subject.” But nothing came of it. It is now illegal, but we know well enough, that fights frequently take place. The police are half-hearted over it, knowing it to be a thankless task even to effect a capture; for no magistrate ever inflicts more than a very nominal punishment, either on principals or accessories. [Illustration: CUDGEL PLAYING—1800.] That the physical education of the fair sex was attended to, long before these days of female gymnastic exercises, is evidenced by the following advertisement in the _Morning Post_, February 20, 1810: “PATENT GRAND EXERCISE FRAMES particularly intended for Young Ladies, the use of which will not only remove deformities, but will infallibly produce health, strength, symmetry, beauty, and superior elegance of deportment,” &c.