Percival Leigh, Manners and customs of ye Englyshe… (1849)
“ Afloat everywhere in their Boating-Trim I did note sundry of those young Sparks that do and think and talk of Nothing but pulling up the River, and live upon it almost, like Swans or Geese; and Mr. Wagstaffe, whom I met, do say they have no Brains in their Skulls. But, however, that Boat-Racing is a true British Pastime, and so long as we pull together he will back us against all the World. ”
