From an 1822 source... YORKSHIRE FIGHTING. From Mr. RYLEY'S "Itinerant." At length the company were summoned into the barn, to witness a battle between two noted Yorkshire fighters. Amidst the crowd I perceived two men naked to their waists lying 'on the ground, grappling each other, perfectly silent, and sometimes pretty still ; then, as if moved by one impulse, a desperate scuffle took place ; soon, however, the one extricated himself, quickly obtained his legs, and retreating some paces, returned with great violence, and before his antagonist could rise, kicked in three of his ribs : the vanquished lay prostrate, whilst the victor stamped and roared like a madman, challenging all around. Retiring to my seat in the house, disgusted with Yorkshire Fighting, I determined to finish my wine, and leave the brutes to the enjoyment of their brutality, when a laughable circumstance detained me, and in some measure made amends for the misery I had suffered. — There is, I believe, a respectable personage, who amongst amateurs in sporting, bears the appellation of a Belward, a gentleman who gets his livelihood by leading a bear by the nose front village to village ; such an one now arrived at this public house, and placing his companion in the pigsty, seated himself by the fire, and called for a pint of ale. The Yorkshire warrior, elated with his victory, and intoxicated with liquor, went from room to room, and bade defiance to every one ; on entering the kitchen, he espied the Belward, who, being a stout fellow, and a noted pugilist, was immediately requested to take a turn with himn— " No, no," replied the stranger, " I dont like Yorkshire fighting; hugging, biting, and kicking, does not suit me ; but I have a friend without who is used to them there things : if you like, I'll fetch, him in ?" " Ay, ay, dom him, fot him in : I'll fight ony mon i' th country." The Belward repaired to the pigsty, and brought forth Bruin, who from a large sized quadruped, was changed instantly to a most tremendous biped. In this erect posture he entered the house, and as it was nearly dark, the intoxicated countryman was the more easily imposed upon — " Dom thee," he said, " I'll fight a better mon than thee, either up or down," and made an attempt to seize him round the middle, but feeling the roughness of his hide, he exclaimed — " Come, come, I'll tak no advantage ; poo off thy top coat, and I'll fight thee for a crown." The bear not regarding this request, cave him such a hug as 'tis probable he never before experienced ; it nearly pressed the breath out of his body, and proved, what was before doubted, that there was as great a bear in the village as himself. Louie