The word hobby is derived from ‘hobby horse’ which is a, stick fitted with a wooden horse’s head which children ride astride for their amusement. We still talk of a man ‘riding’ his hobby. So a hobby is an amusement, properly it is any interesting pursuit not our main business, which we take up for our amusement in our leisure time. What is business to one man may be a hobby of another, for example, a photographer may have gardening as his hobby and a paid gardener may go in for photography as his recreation.
There are many kinds of hobbies. Many take the form of collecting in some form. Collecting postage stamps is a common hobby in England, not only with boys but with men too. Some make collections of wild flowers and ferns and press and mount their specimens. Others take interest in geology and find much amusement in collecting fossils. Such hobbies do not cost much and are within the reach of all. But others such as collecting pictures, old books, curiosities and antiquities are only for the rich.
Other hobbies take the form of games and sports. Many take up open air games like golf, tennis, cricket, football or indoor games such as chess, draughts and cards as their hobbies. While hunting, fishing or yachting is the favorite recreations for others.
Photography makes in interesting and instructive hobby, and for those who have the gift, sketching, painting, and wood carving take the space. The later hobbies require special artistic gifts but almost anyone can learn carpentry and picture farming.
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Many people find great pleasure and interest in gardening, especially in cultivating flowers. Boys especially like pets to occupy their time.
Every young and old should have a hobby of some sort for his leisure time for it adds greatly to the pleasure of life. It is often an education in itself and it fills our vacant hours with interest.