“ At almost every assize in Lancashire several individuals are tried for murder or manslaughter, arising out of battles, when, to the astonishment of strangers, evidence is given of parties mutually agreeing to fight "up and down," which includes the right of kicking—punching, or purring, as it is called in Lancashire—on every part of the body, in all possible situations, and of squeezing the throat, or "throttling," to the very verge of death. ”

“ At races, fairs, and on other public occasions, contests of this nature are witnessed by crowds of persons who take part on each side with as much interest as is excited by the regular boxing-matches of the South. ”

“ That death often occurs in such matches will not be thought extraordinary, especially when it is considered that clogs, or heavy wooden-soled shoes, covered with iron plates, and studded with large nails, are commonly worn in the districts where this barbarous custom prevails. To check these revolting contests, several of the judges, about seventy years ago, revived the almost obsolete punishment of burning in the hand, upon conviction of manslaughter arising from kicking. ”