Note 65 — EXCURSION III.

The Cornish have ever been celebrated for their skill in the art of wrestling; hence the expression "To give one a Cornish Hug," which is a dexterous lock in that art peculiar to them. It must, however, be admitted, whether as a matter of triumph or humiliation, we will not declare, that the Cornish have greatly declined in their art, so as to be now inferior even to the Devonians, and to the inhabitants of many other districts in their prowess. This degeneracy might perhaps be attributed to the change which has taken place during the lapse of time, in the mode of working for Tin; formerly it was all procured by Streaming, an occupation as healthy and invigorating, as the present one of subterranean mining is debilitating. We apprehend, however, that a moral cause of still greater force has contributed to the change—the diffusion of Methodism; which has unquestionably proved a powerful instrument in the amelioration of the habits and disposition of the Cornish miner.