The Sportswoman's Library, Vol. 1 of 2

rsing the frozen surface of the snow-covered ground and the ice-bound water would have to be solved. With the Greeks and the Romans ind

re made of bone, though they were, as might be expected, of most primitive structure. It is generally agreed that the necessity of crossing the enormous fields of frozen snow during the long Scandin

the introduction of the wooden skate bound with iron, which is the prototype of our skate of to-day. From the earliest efforts with the primitive bone skates to the graceful evolutions now possibl

ice, by the difficulty of selecting a proper instrument. She must then trust to others. As the choice however is not large, she can scarcely do w

T CH

imla and a few scattered places that it still holds its own, it is unrivalled as a means to the end of skating on ice. On roller-skates the learner can follow up her

tricks which beset the beginner at every stage of her progress. Some people will indeed advise you, when you first put on your skates proper, to walk about a carpeted room with them, while others will tell you to make your first efforts on the ice itself. In this you

nt you from the inevitable tumbles that will otherwise be your lot, your progress will be safe but slower than if you take your courage in both hands and carry out unaided the go

fall imminent. After a short experience of this tottering effort after equilibrium, you will probably almost instinctively begin to slide forward with both feet, and for the moment you will find sufficient pleasure in movement of any kind. I have indeed seen quite a rapturous expression of triumph come over the face of a middle-aged beginner, when she

sition from which to start, and you will slide forward with your right foot only on the inside of the skate, balancing yourself entirely on that foot. You will then bring the left foot forward from the position it has held with the toe of the skate held just off the ice behind the right foot, and pressi

turn on both feet and the backward stroke of the inside edge, after which the forward and backward stroke of the outside edge will be your study. In all backward movement th

the art of stopping, you will find all the simple figures within your powers. Do not, however, be hurried into trying any combination,

more usual way of executing these figures in this country is for the partners, generally a man and a woman, to stand side by side, joining their right hands underneath the left, which are also clasped sideways, though

e, the first to put it in practice. For the many varieties of Scuds and Rockers now constantly to be seen at the much patronised covered rinks, reference may be made to Mr. Maxwell Witham's book "A System of Figure Skating," in which are to be found diagrams of some very si

curve of outside edge, continuing this for half a circle when the left foot will be put down and the stroke taken, either in the ordinary way or from the cros

e the position for starting will be with the backs i

with the right foot and going round the inner circle. The left foot is thus put down and the stroke taken in the ordinary way or from the cross, another circle of outside

re circle, so that the outside circle described always lies immediately behind the one on which

hand (the four hands being thus crossed) which is retained until the whole circle, which

igure Skating, by

ou feel yourself getting at home on your skates, remember it should be your object to disguise your stroke

oints to be attended

carriage wit

of the knee of t

imation o

n of the body, with the face

ttain which extra practice for the weake

ll delight of the health-giving exer

ston and So

TARKIE

O

till the green is reached. Upon the green is a flag denoting the spot where a round hole with a diameter of four and a quarter inches and a depth of four inches, is cut. Into this hole the player must get

ore card box. Failing to sign a card entails disqualification. In match playing, the scores are reckoned by the terms, "the like," "the odd," "the two more," "one off two," etc., and the hole is won by the player who has holed in the fewest strokes. Being the person to lead off at the te

ill the green is reached. This is a beautifully kept piece of grassy lawn, some twenty yards in extent, either undulating, sloping, or sometimes quite level, in which the holes are cut. The term stance is applied to the position of the player's feet, when addressing herself to the ball. The term grip denotes either that part of the handle of the club covered with leather, which is held in the hands, or the grasp

tiles of that period, the mode of play and the weapons used, although rather crude in many respects, were not at all unlike those of the present day. Some writers go so far as to tell us that this game rather resembled hockey, and that the ball used was about the size of an ordinary cricket ball. Others who have searched even

gh Golfers in 1744, St. Andrew's in 1754, and Mussulburgh in 1774, followed again in the south by Old Manchester in 1818, and Westward Ho! in 1864, till at the present time there are links all over Europe, in America, India, Australia, New Zealand, and even in Egypt. Not content with this, we even have the

. North

E. C.

the Champio

much chronicled, although they used to play, and our Scotch sisters have always been more or less brought up to it. Latterly both the English and Irish have taken wonderfully to what was at one time styled "Tha

ome questions are referred by the associated clubs, for which it acts as legislator in chief. It arranges too the details for the yearly championship, and

east on inland courses, real sand at the bottom of the bunkers. Till then it had not entered into the head of man to conceive that any woman was equal to, or would care for, daily tramps over rough and broken ground, bogs, dykes, and sand, or that even if she did care, she could ever become proficient at so sacred a pastime. Was it possible either that a woman's strength would prove equal to propell

ound regardless of the flapping skirts and blow-away hats, but in May days when the weather is lovely, when the courses and their greens are at their best, then it is that we lay ourselves out for pure enjoyment, and reap the well-deserved fruits of a winter of steady practice. So through summer and autumn the

ure

N FOR D

occasionally varied by a cleek shot from tee to green, which constitutes the whole and monotonous ring of change that is to be found, to say nothing of the total banishment of the brassey, one of the most useful clubs in existence. Excepting, therefore, when women play over men's courses, or at least over a part of them, they rarely find themselves called upon to play cleeks, or full iron shots either. A notable exception to this is the West Lancashire ladies' course, at Hall Road, near Liverpool. There we

y produces a spirit of dogged determination not to be beaten, wherein lie the first seeds of interest, and the desire for improvement. The younger it is possible to begin the game, the better, for at an early age the muscles are tractable and supple, and the slightest stiffness which gives a noticable jerkiness to the strokes, is very difficult to overcome. The strokes should on the contrary be performed, and the arms and wrists should work, with the smooth evenness of windmill sails. But speaking of evenness and smoothness of movement, more especially in the case of a person in

in all else, there are many and notable exceptions amongst those who have only come across the game when nearing the days of discretion. The greatest

somewhat conducive to selfishness, and with a distinctly rousing effect upon the temper. To those who are adepts at other out of door sports and pastimes, golf presents one great difficul

ll prove of invaluable assistance in future matches and competitions. No beginner should however forget to obtain a book of the St. Andrews' rules and to study it well, for one of the first essentials in a game is to know the rules thoroughly. By thus starting with lessons from a qualified instructor, you do away with t

play a good round with, whereas if only one club is taken out at a time to master, the eye and hand are apt to become wearied by

ularly useful for the high-pitched approach shots, the latter shaped more like a spoon, having at the back and in the exact centre, a crescent-shaped and convex piece of extra steel, so as to concentrate the full force and weight at the point of impact. But the good old-fashioned clubs can hold many candles to various latter-day inventions. A very useful driver head of ordinary beech-wood has within the last three o

ure

HANDS FO

m. Having done this, and by a study of the rules prepared yourself for instruction, you will naturally wish to make your first attempt. On arriving at the first teeing ground and after mountin

ure

NG

ure

WRONG. RESULT OF A GR

ure

POINTING DOWNWAR

with your waist buckle, perhaps slightly inclined to the left. The hands then require to grip the club as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the left hand should hold with a grip of iron, the right much more easily, but st

er your grip to as near that of figure 2 as possible, when the angle of the club-head at the top of the swing, will become as in figure 5. But to continue, being in the correct position for addressing the ball both as regards distance and grip, after a short preliminary waggle which will give the needed impetus, raise the club away to the right, not too quickly, with a scythe-like sweep, till well over the right shoulder, at the same time lifting the left heel and turning the body slightly on the toes of the left foot. Figure 6. The action of the swing should be entirely done from the shoulder, and not with a

ure

AT THE TOP

nd. W

ure

H OF

. C. Wi

click, nicking in between it and the ground, so as to cause the ball to rise away in its flight quickly and cleanly, avoiding any taking of turf, or sclaffing as it is styled, and thereby losing half the propelling force. When to reach the green two or th

l with the face of the club, there is the danger of the sole at that very second taking the turf, when, unless the club i

ure

S FOR A THREE-Q

a length as that taken with a wooden club. It is more of an up-and-down stroke. In the three-quarter shot, the arms and not the shoulders are responsible for the swing, the club going as far back as the length of the arm comfortably permits (figure 8), whereas, in the half shot, the fore arm and wrist work only, the arm from the shoulder to the elbow being then nearly close into the side. The approach shot

e of the club very much laid back (figure 9), and a peculiar species of cut from right to left administered to the ball at the moment of impact. A stroke that can with difficulty be taught, being more the outcome of instinct

t is necessary first and foremost that both feet should be firmly planted on the ground, for every atom of strength must be brought to bear on the right spot, at the right moment. About two inches behind the ball is the place to let your club-head delve int

r moved before the player strikes at the ball, except that the player may place his feet firmly on the ground for the purpose of addressing the ball, under the penalty of the loss of the hole, but if in the backward or downward swing, any

loose earth, mole hills, paths, roads, or railways, whins, bushes, rushes, rabbit scrapes, fences, ditches, or anything which is not the ordinary green of t

ure

SHOT WITH THUMB

escription, and be teed behind the same." The niblick, in bunkers where the sand is at all heavy, is rather a better club to use than the mashie, being so short, thick, and powerful in the head, therefore capable of delivering a stronger blow into the sand. A mo

te years, steel and gun metal have come much more into vogue. Park's patent putter with the twisted socket or neck, is a universal favourite, the fact of looking straight down the shaft on to the ball appearing to make the line of transition somewhat more easy for the eye to take in. The mode of holding the putter is similar to that of the iron, only that the thumbs are both placed downwards

utting.... The hands should be allowed to fall into a natural position.... The putter should be held rather short, and preferably with a light grip, and should be worked backward and forward by the wrists, mainly perhaps the left wrist.... The left elbow may

ure

FF THE RI

ith the centre of the body (Figure 11). The crooked left elbow is certainly a great help in keeping the ball on the right road to the hole, while the right elbow should be resting against the hip. Iron shots too can be kept from diverging

nger, a blow from a golf ball being no light matter. Therefore out of pure humanity it is only right to let the party in front play their second shots, or get off the green, so that they may be out of range of those behind. Besides match and medal play, another species of competition has of late years been started, namely, "Bogey." This is simply a score fixed for each of the eighte

ure

H BALL BETW

difference between handicap allowances, in foursomes, three-eighths of the difference of the aggregate handicap allowance on either side, a half stroke of over counting as one, but smaller fractions not being reckoned. Thus if the difference between your own and your opponent's handicap in a single is 12, you will have to allow her nine st

putt, and the whole luck of the game may alter. Therefore the player who has perfect control over her nerves has a decided advantage over one who becomes flustered, and she will very often come in with a rush and flourish of trumpets at the last. When

. Medal play is essentially a matter of stolid steadiness, while match play bristles with excitements from start to finish, but it is by no means the case that t

ause the club is being swung away too quickly, causing more of a straight up and down stroke than is the case in the proper and rounded swing. If hooking is the fault, then the ball will fly off to the left. The reason of this may be either that you are standing with the ball too much opposite to the left foot, or that you are hitting it with the club's face turned in, the

t taking the stroke quietly and again not pressing for an extra long shot is the best way out of the difficulty. If on the other hand the ball lies on a slope below you, shorten your grip of the club, for the body will naturally fall a little forward in the downward swing, owing to the stance being on the slant. Sometimes the ball may be found lying with a disused and grass-grown mole-hill, or some such lump immediately in front. In such a case it would be equally impossible to sweep away the ball with a full swing, or with a three-quarter one. The club m

spirit of ambition in no small degree. Besides, it will be most excellent training and a decided gain in the way of steadiness, and will also teach you not to get flustered when confronted by difficulties. Merely to watch your opponent's self-possession, as she extricates the ball from the heaviest sand, without the least sign of force or irritability, will be a lesson worthy of taking to heart. To have made good progress in the game, and to be abl

kely put her off too. For in golf the laws of imitation are very subtle, and nothing is more common than to play down to another person's standard. However trying it may be, therefore, to have every shot watched, whether it is a long raking drive, a foozled iron, or some twelve inch putt that lips the hole instead of going down, do your best to be steady, even if brilliancy be out of the question, for consistency can never be very hardly criticised, even when seriously put in the shade by a superior display of knowledge. Attending open meetings, an

ill only be beaten by the most narrow margin, and last but not least, the total obliviousness to the crowd that may be following the match; all this self-possession cannot be learned in a day or even in a few months. To attain to such a level is a matter of test and training. Before any of these big events, it is as well to go and reside fo

red coats with their club facings and buttons, and these always look smart. Among them, and one which is quite the neatest of all club uniforms, is that of the Wimbledon Ladies' Club-a coat, with black collar and cuffs, outlined with a piping of white, the buttons being of black, with the club initials in white on them. All clubs that have the privilege of calling themselves Royal are entitled to facings of Royal blue. The Littlestone ladies wear rather a smart coat with white facin

ascinations, too, of a new course are great and wonderful, especially during the first round when you are quite ignorant of the pitfalls that await the unwary. There is some

PAS

the Champio

veral Wimbledon members being the moving spirits in the scheme, ably backed up by such clubs as Ashdown Forest, Barnes, Eastbourne, East Sheen, Great Harrowden, Great Yarmouth, Lytham and St. Anne's, Minchinhampton, North Berwick, North Warwickshire, Portrush, Belfast, St. Andrew's, Southdown and Brighton, and Wimbledon. A large and influential meeting was held in London during the month of April, and it was then decided that an annual ch

the council, deciding to hold the first Championship over that course. The subscribers towards the magnificent cup include the clubs of St. Andrews, St. Anne's, Ashdown Forest, Blackheath, Cotswold, Royal Belfast, Royal Eastb

embers of any golf club, will take place at St. Anne's-on-the-Sea, Lancashire, on Tuesday 13th, Wednesday 14th, Thursd

he competition through the secre

holes in accordance with the rules o

on Friday, 9th June, and sh

teen, thirty-two, or sixty-four players, and one draw shall decide the order of play throughout the competition; those who have drawn byes being pla

consist of a roun

all continue to play on until one or other shall have

golfer for the year, and the trophy shall be held for that

dal, the second a silver medal, and t

ct to the approval of the Ly

led by the Council of the Lyt

ose Thursday,

d been exceptional, but the "green committee," headed by Mr. T. H. Miller, had kept the greens verdant, thanks to constant care and unlimited watering.

o have a shortened man's course for such events. Although at Gullane, in 1897, the full men's links were used, the round of which is two miles and three quarters, with a few yards over, at Littlestone, in 1894, the course was not quite two miles and a half long, whilst Portrush, in 1895, measured only a few yards

ed into the player from the beginning, and if proper pains were taken not to leave the minutest detail unconquered. The only two who approached Lady Margaret Scott in her easy swing, and the manner in which she extricated herself from difficulties, were Miss Issette Pearson, the energetic and hard-working Honorary Secretary of the Golf Union, and Mrs. Wilson-Hoare, of Westward Ho! The final issue of the great battle resulted in Lady Margaret becoming champion, a title she held for three consecutive years, and Miss Pearson being the runner-up. This first

r of entries was sixty-four, including players from seventeen different clubs. Ireland was unrepresented this year, although at St. Anne's the previous season there had been four entries from the Sister Isle. Lady Margaret Scott, and Miss Pearson, again stood first and second, after a very fine match, which was watched attentively by a large crowd from all the neighbouring golfing

atter by a few days. The bustle and excitement in the streets of the little town was great, and outside cars came tearing round the perilously sharp corners, laden with red-coated golfers either off to watch the se

Wigham, the first Scotch representative to attend one of these events. Miss Wigham's style was grand, being both easy and sure, and she proved herself equal to sending terrific long balls from any lie. It was much hoped that she and Lady Margaret might meet in one of the heats, but being unused to play before so large a crowd, Miss Wigham's nerve rather gave way in her match with Miss Dod,

RET HAMILT

hampionship, 189

conceivable corner. The greens were in excellent condition, and the whole links sporting as anyone could wish to play over. If anything the soil was a trifle too sandy, for it was dangerous to take the l

st three years, many of those who had witnessed the St. Anne's Championship being present, and stating this as their opinion. In the length of the tee shots and brassies, in getting out of difficulties, and in putting, the improvement was everywhere visible. The first visit of the Union to the home of Golf, viz., Scotland, took place in the middle of May, 1897, when Gullane, on the East Lothian coast, was the place of Meeting. Gullane is famed not

h the record entry of one hundred and two competitors, the whole meeting, if one excepts the weather, was an unqualified success. For the first time, the Scotch and English women-players met to do battle for the same trophy, but it was to be regretted that in so many instances the draw had coupled two very strong scratch players together, or in the same way put English players to do battle with each other, when it would have been both so much more exciting and interesting to have found them pitted North against South. In the first round two of the best matches were those between Miss Pascoe-the holder of the cup-and Miss Issett

adeline Campbell, which only finished on the eighteenth green, and Miss Kennedy and Miss Nevill, which was another display of real golf soundly well played, Miss Nevill losing by two holes only. The sixth and semi-final round was indeed exciting, Miss Kennedy playing a magnificent match against Miss Orr. The play on both sides was bold, free, and accurate, Miss Kennedy's shots from the tee and through the green were brilliant, especially so at the sixteenth hole from whence she reached the green in two, a distance of 314 yards from the tee. It was in putting alone that she lost to her formidable and well-known North Berwick opponent. Miss E. C. Orr, who was playing a most beautiful and steady game, downed Miss Titterton by two up after a fine match. The final between the two Miss Orr's was a good exhibition of steady golf, but Miss E. C. Orr out-played her sister somewhat easily, her shots all through being beautifully judged,

r tee, the position of her feet, the waggle and swing of the club, then notice the same player on nearing the hole, when she takes up her iron or mashie. Just a glance at the hole, then a quick hit and the ball lights somewhere on the green, perhaps with such a run that it is nearly as far off on the other side as it was on this side, before the stroke was played. No

he Championship meeting at Gullane, that one feels how much we might i

14th, 160; 15th, 244; 16th, 314; 17th, 309; 18th, 306. Lengths that required every variety of shot, together with uphill and downhill lies innumerable, but as was mentioned a page or two back, the

n more or less guess-work, excepting for such little guidance as the local handicaps provided. The scheme is now in full working order, with a special sub-committee to guard over its interests, of which Miss Pearson is in command. This committee consists of four other ladies, to each of whom is portioned out six or eight clubs, and whose duty it is to work out by averaging the scores returned, what handicap each member of these several clubs shall receive, in accordance with the fixed par of the green, also to lowe

hich will be found on the notice board in every as

ich shall have exceeded the par of the green, as fixed by the Union by more than twenty-five strokes. A member having a handicap in one club shall receive

s' Union Handicap, on which she shall enter the medal scores and r

petitions for the medals must be played on the full medal course, but if circumstances such as ground under repair, e

es' Golf Union Annual. A neat little shilling publication, which not only contains a splendid map of the Gull

ele and Co.

SETTE P

ary Ladies'

es get a berth in the club maker's shop, whilst the players who come and go every day in the year, cause the hearts of the local butchers, bakers, and grocers to rejoice. In Kent alone, such old places as Sandwich, Deal, New Romney and Rye, some of them famous in the by-gone days of the Cinque Ports splendour, owe a great deal in these bad times to the royal and ancient game. The membership of their respective golf clubs, number about as follo

hroughout the country, would alone make a respectable-sized army. Then the industries in club and ball-making should be considered, and the thousands and thousands of dozens of the latter that are sold annually. In a recent number of Golf it was stated that some five hundred tons of gutta-percha are, within twelve months, converted into balls alone! To quote the paragraph on the subject: "The material is

2 drams. Of different kinds there are no end, some people pinning their faith to "Melforts," others to "Woodley Flyers," and so on, but very satisfactory makes are the "Black A.1.," the "Silvert

at golf is not a game that can be grasped or learned in a week, or yet in a year, but it requires steady perseverance for a very long period. If at any time you are off the game thoroughly, it is much better t

es, and Bel

MMA KE

Medallis

the visitors at the last open meeting, which was held just before the Hoylake ladies' championship in 1896, were greatly indebted. Not a hitch occurred in the starting of any of the seventy-eight competitors. It was on this course too that the Southern ladies, when on their Northern tour, in September of 1895, sustained their first and only defeat. The West Lancashire Club can boast of one of the strongest match t

The eighteen hole record of 83, is held by Miss Phillips. A very attractive object of competition at this club, is the monthly medal, a unique little gold charm mounted as a brooch. Twice a year, in May and November, the club holds most successful open meetings. Indeed for the last Spring event, that of 1897, the record entry of 106 was received, and at the forthcoming Spring meeting, a challenge cup is advertised to be competed for annually by representatives of all counties in Great Britain and Ireland, one

02. The hazards are principally of the lofty sand hill order. 465 yards is the length of the longest hole, 448, 367, 325, to 93 yards, being about the lengths of the others. The greens are magnificent, and the turf is of the proverbial billiard cloth smoothness. Miss N. Graham, the champion of Irela

y. Be

N. GR

mpion, 189

hazards. Returning once more to the South country, we have a splendid long eighteen-hole course at Woking, where one gets every variety of hazard and lie imaginable. The Wimbledon Ladies' course too is most trying, thanks (!) to the conservators of the common, who have caused tarred circles to be daubed outside all the gorse bushes, so that

hich is 73. Gorse bushes are the principal hazards, but it is a course where good play is always soundly rewarded. Being on down turf, the greens are always excellent, though perhaps a trifle small. Not many miles away from the latter course is that of Ashdown Forest, a very tricky green abounding in heather. In fact, when on the long course, what with the fir trees scattered here and there, the burns and the heather stretching for miles on every side, you can imagine yo

se for short shots that can be well imagined. Mrs. Ryder Richardson holds the record with 63. The Hastings and the Bexhill ladies both play over part of the gentlemen's courses, there being plenty of scope for brassey and c

where we find fourteen clubs, most of them largely patronized by the leading players from Scotland, England and Ireland during the winter months. Of all the colonies, New Zealand and Australia are said to be the keenest over golf, so far as ladies are concerned, and in both these countries they have even instituted an annual Ladies' Championship, thus following the lead of the mother country. As to the American ladies, they are intensely keen over the game and spare no pains to become proficient in it, their annual woman's championship being a very large gath

r. The windows in the hall are protected by netting, and on the floor is a large square of rubber, from off which drives, brasseys, a

Mr. J. E. Laidley, Mr. J. Ball, junior, Mr. Horace Hutchinson, and finally with Mr. H. Hilton. Amongst the lady-players there are many dozen who might well claim notice, but space being limited it is only possible to refer to a few of the best known, Lady Margaret Hamilton-Russell, Miss Pascoe, Miss E. C. Orr, and Miss Issette Pearson have already been mentioned. But to give the honour to Scotland, at Prestwich Miss Sybil Whigham reigns supreme, with her splendid long raking drives and iron shots. This player takes a full easy swing, using her shoulders well, and turning but very slightly upon the left toe in driving. In the matter of getting out of bunkers, she is especially adept. From Dumfries hails Miss A. Maxwell, another grand player, but one who has the half swing only, with a peculiar action of the left foot at the moment of driving. Mrs. Murray, of the Torwoodlee club, was one of the best "all-round" players in the recent Gullane Championship, her approaching and putting being nothing short of grand. Miss Blanche Anderson and Miss Madeline Campbell of North Berwick, are both shining lights in that club which is so rich in golfing talent, Miss Campbell's handling of her clubs being specially taking. But turning more Southwards, at Windermere, Miss Bownass, with her fine drives and approach shots, can hold her own on

f the Champi

same members, the want is felt of some species of rule, or at least an understanding, on the subject of the same member-whose name may be on the books of several clubs-playing for or against s

ele and Co.

GROUP, AP

e penalty stroke, namely, on droppi

so shall front the hole to which he is playing, standing behi

you should step back a few paces in the exact line in which the ball entered the hazard, then stand erect, raise the hand over the head and drop the ball simply behind you. Of the Stymie, let it be said, that as it always has been a freak of the g

y, and no game can stand this test better than golf. To the mind it shows the need of caution, courage, coolness, and many other good qualities. Above all it teaches one to keep the temper under due control in all circumstances and situations. Our royal game brings out the strength and weakness of character both in yourself and other

ncholy, closing his remarks with the words, "All round we may thus say ou

. Stark

Co. 13, Pal

. S

OQ

y about that time. Pall mall was played with long handled mallets, with small balls, on gravel, and with long swinging strokes, and appears to have much more resembled golf than croquet; but Dr. Prior writes of a modified form

l garden game; a trivial enough pastime from which gradually developed the more interesting game of the present day. It was to Mr. Walter Jones Whitmore that the first start of really scientific croquet is due, and he it was who organised the first tournament in 1867, held at Evesham, when Mr. Whitmore became the champion. In the following year, a much larger tournament was held a

eep it in position, and hitting it so as to send the other ball away), and the introduction of the dead boundary, croquet became a game more of the head than the hands, the various positions in a game requiring perfectly different treatment acco

rounds, or the necessity for constant practice, so reduced the number of competitors that these matches were abandoned, and even the Gentlemen's Championship for three or four years practically dwindled down to a match between two players (Mr. Bonham Carter and Mr. Spong), till in 1882, the Cup having been finally won by

a yearly tournament had taken place since 1894, while players were to be found in the remote village of Budleigh Salterton, and in the f

or intersected with plantains, and if possible there should be a layer of cinders or other Ballast a few in

e topped, and painted white, No. 1 being generally a light blue to shew the starting-point. They should be long enough to be driven quite nine inches into the ground, and stand the same distance above it, and they are generally painted black in the lower half to show when properly driven in. Of the pegs, one should be plain white, the other (the winning peg) painted with the four colours, blue, red, black, yellow, in order, and both should have small crossbars inserted on whic

used a mallet head like a thick solid block with square ends, while a player recently appeared with a mallet head of extraordinary length, and somewhat resembling the bottom of a rocking-chair. Some mallets are sliced at the bottom, with the idea that by this means the ball is hit more directly in the centre, and is not so liable to be topped. Some again have a flat brass plate attached at the bottom for extra weight, while one lady plays with a beautiful ivory mallet, long in th

ho give bisques, viz., one or more extra turns in each game, which may be taken at

r. Spong, Capt. Drummond and many others consider the aim much more certain with the forward position, a kind of pendulum stroke in which the weight of the mallet tells more than any force used. Some of the most successful of the lady players, too, use this method of striking, n

ght croquet to send off every adversary to the greatest possible distance. Players thus disposed of were often required to shoot back from a ground occupied by a second set of players, and a good long shot won more applause than anything else in the game; but with the introduction of the dead boundary, the game changed entirely. Rules were made, more than 4 balls were never employed in a game

hus in taking croquet, it is often advisable to get near another ball on some particular side, to "rush" it into position for a hoop, etc. The rush is one of the most telling strokes in a game, but requires some practice, as the ball must be struck low, with the mallet held freely and pointed rather in an upward direction. A ball hit at all on the top is apt to jump, and indeed a leapfrog stroke which will clear another ball and sometimes a hoop, is often successfully carried out by the best players, when their ball is blocked from the desired object. To "wire" is to place the balls in such a position that they are screened from the next player's shot, by one or more hoops. Making a "point" is the hoop or peg made in order. The "pioneer" is the ball sent on to the hoop next but one in order, to assist the playing ball at that point. "Break" is the name g

ts in the other side first, as it is an advantage for the captain to play immediately before his strongest opponent. In starting the ball is placed one foot from the first hoop, in position for making that p

to walk miles across the rough ground of the links, exhilarating as this is to the strong, can yet enjoy the more gentle exercise on a level lawn. It is a well-known fact in the croquet world th

hat they often try a difficult hoop with the live ball, break down and thus let the other side in, which with the more cautious plan would have been avoided. Again, croquet is a game in which success is by no means a matter of mechanical skill alone, for in croquet, as in chess, the player must look ahead not only for one move but must count on the probability of the adversary's success or failure, judging by the power already exhibited, and by the state of the ground, etc. Thus it is often good policy if the opponents' balls are together in a corner on a fast dry lawn, not to risk a long

are, indeed, set out at the fashionable Social Clubs of Hurlingham and Ranelagh, but alas, the game and its requirements are little understood there. A well-organised tournament on the picturesque grounds of the latter club, at Barn Elms, in the height of the season, might do much to spread its popularity, for the large tournament at Eastbourne last autumn, showed a marked increase in spectators, who displayed some knowledge of the tactics of the game, and the keenest interest in the contests. Another interesting feature of each season would be int

ig tournaments last year, time games were resorted to, an hour-and-a-half being generally the allowance for each single match, and two hours for doubles, ample time to finish a game in most instances, though, if

y's knowledge of the game. In handicap play this is specially needful, and it is only by match practice it can be gained. In double handicaps it is usual for the pairs to be drawn, the captain from one of the first four classes, and the partner from a lower class, and nothing gives an intelligent beginner a better insight into "tactics" than being guided by a really good partner. Mr. Bonh

ut croquet proper, as the rules now stand, is something better than a garden-party ga

ude S

END

END

THE GAME

BY THE ROYAL AND ANCIEN

more sides, each playing its own ball. A

and the hole is won by the side holing its ball in the fewest strokes, except as otherwise prov

yer shall not tee in front of, nor on either side of, these marks, nor more than two club-lengths behind them. A

inches in diameter, and

or spooned, under penalty of the loss of the hole. Any moveme

d. In a match with two or more on a side, the partners shall strike off alter

other shall be named at starting, and shall

first on each side shall

l be settled by lot or toss which si

his side shall lose the hole, except in the case of the tee sh

rder. This privilege is called the "honour." On starting for a new match, the winner of the long match in the previous round is e

side which gets more holes ahead than there remain holes to be played, or by the side winning the last hole whe

rties are playing shall be played first, except as otherwise provided for in the rules. Sho

not be changed, touched, or moved before the hole is played out, under

ich is not lying in or touching a hazard, may be removed, but loose impediments which are

ball, except in the act of placing his feet on the ground for the purpose of addressing the ball, and in solei

r sand may be taken out and replaced

be touched or moved before the player strikes at the ball, except that the player may place his feet

to Rule 14:-"But if, in the backward or downward swing, any grass, bent, whin, or other growing substance, or

ushes, rushes, rabbit scrapes, fences, ditches, or anything which is not the ordinary green of the course, except sand blown o

move any irregularities of surface near the ball, except at

or touching such obstruction, or on clothes, or nets, or on ground under repair or temporarily covered up or opened, may be lifted and dropped at the nearest point of the cour

so much thereof shall be set aside as that the player shall have a view

p the spot from which the ball was lifted (or, in the case of running water, the spot at which it entered) in a line be

shall then be replaced as nearly as possible in its original position. Should the ball farther from the hole be accidentally moved in so doing, it shall be replaced. Shou

water, the player may drop a bal

ere it lies. Should a ball lodge in anything moving, such ball, or, if it cannot be recovered, another ball, shall be dropped as nearly as possible at the spot where the object was when the ball lodged in it. B

ntally moved by, an opponent or an opponent's

er, or either of their caddies or clubs, or if, while in the act of

their caddies touch their side's ball, except at the tee, so as to move

egree and stop in another; but if a player touch his ball and thereby cause it to oscillate,

ed, and the hole must be played out with the balls thus exchanged; or (2) the mistake occur through wrong information given by the opponent, in which

e that one side has played out the previous hole with the ball

hole. A ball shall be held as lost if it be not f

lies, or the hole be given up, except

ll mean the ground within 20 yar

utting-green, except the opponent's ball when at a

y degree lying between the player and the hole must

or line drawn as a guide. The line to the hole may be pointed out, bu

at the hole, but none of the players or their caddies may m

reach of this rule is

th the hand only across the putt and not along it. Dung may be removed to a side by an iron club, but the club must not be laid with more than its own weight upon the ground. The puttin

ball rest against the flag-stick when in the hole, the player shall be entitled to remove t

hould the player's ball knock in the opponent's ball, the latter shall be counted as holed out in the previous stro

game by word, look, or gesture from any one except his own caddie, or hi

o pieces are apparently of equal size, it may be put where either piece lies, at the option of the player. If a

unted the stroke of a player, and sh

l be referred; but, should they not agree, either party may refer it to the Green Committee of the green where the dispute occurs,

ULES FOR

itor doing the stipulated course in

hall be decided by another round, to be played on the same or any oth

und, and thereafter no member shall play an

. The scores marked shall be checked at the finish of each hole. On completion of the course, th

where the ball was struck, tee another ball, and lose a stroke. If the lost ball

or caddie, or if, in the act of playing, the player

or his clubs, or caddie, it is a "rub of the gree

rokes, be lifted out of a difficulty of

ole shall have the option of holing out first, or of lifting his ball, if it be in such a position that it might, if left, give an advantage to t

nal, and he may not receive advice from any on

ot discontinue play b

breach of any rule sha

the play shall be determin

as they are not at variance with the sp

ICAL TERMS USED I

he player puts himself in p

e hole to be able to drive the ball to the puttin

of the club-head in playing. This sends bal

club much loft

oarse grass on

re, usually par play,

substance inserted in the sole of t

loping putting-green, plays the

ing back-spi

oden club wit

ar a ball of such a nature as mi

den club with

: A sa

at remain to be played af

who carries the

e ball is driven befor

eaded club us

The heads are of various kinds-wood, aluminium, woo

the links on which the

e, frequently one made by the

he hole that the "putt" is a dead certainty. A ball is s

urf cut out by club

rmy" when he is as many holes ahe

left hand. (Synonymous with

with a full-length shaft, and with which t

the ground

or hillock; second, the part of t

lat" when its head is at a ve

ss, ran

A bungli

person in the way of the stro

ed to go in advance of the p

which four persons pl

hole, such that, had the ball not gone i

den club whose face is slightl

s; second, the putting-gree

overed with leather by which the club

utta-perch

of a stroke deducte

han a full or a t

kes the same number of strokes. A "halved match" is a "

e which lies on a downward slope in

ng grass, roads, water, sand, whin, mo

sesses, among other mysterious characteristics, a

the shaft; second, to hit from this part

ond, the whole space between any teeing-gr

t to play off fi

oked club has the face

See

n-headed clubs into whi

on head, more or less l

lub should strike with a

on the ground in a natural position for striki

ut of a hazard and dro

ee unde

th sides have played th

und on which g

d the ball i

stroke more than his adversary, who is

rom the tee and play

club with a de

each other: second, the game itself. M

ckoning the sc

il to strike the ball

of the head where

ded heavy iron club, used w

or front portion

r one, two, three, or more holes to start with, or one stroke per hole, or every alternate hole, or at ever

ur opponent has played two strokes more y

b: See "

to hit the ball h

to the hole. (Pron

en, iron, or gun-metal headed club, use

e prepared ground

th under the leather

rable or unfavourable kno

f lofting it; and also the run of a drive is the

b head by which it is glued to th

See "

behind the ball first, thus

y razing the gr

l compleme

ick or handle

club across the ball, sending i

head of iron clubs into w

t bottom of t

ths-long, middle, and short: the head is

ree of supplene

ands level, neither part

e player's feet when addre

ance, not by a "gobble," but by a stroke which ju

the club which is inte

s in the line of your "putt"; from an

eep of the cl

n which the ball is plac

d out within the limits of w

of a stroke deduct

ame for the no

all is to hit it

-more, etc.: Se

pright" when its head is not at

furze,

hed twine uniting

nerally played with an iron club-the

END

NGLAND CR

8

shape, or material of the mallets; nor as to the part of the handle held

ighth inches in diameter, of even weight, each ball weighing not less th

shall have choice of lead and of balls. In a succession of games the

pot. The striker's ball, when so placed and struck is at once in play, and can roqu

g aim, move his own or any other ball accidentally, it must be replaced to the satisfaction of the umpire or the adversary, and th

ng side and ceased to roll, it cannot be touched by a straight-edge placed against th

om the non-playing side cannot run the hoop at its next stroke, if it can be

op, or against the turning peg, by any stroke not foul, of its own s

er must inform his adversary of it. Should the striker neglect to do so, and the adversary

once before making a point, and may do this again after each point mad

oquets a ball must take croquet, and in so doing mu

riker is not allowed to p

all in hand displace any other balls, they must remain where they are driven. Any point made in

taneously, he may choose from which of them he will take croquet; anothe

emed to be made, and croquet must be taken at once, but if it be found touching two balls the striker can take croque

counts as well as the roquet. A ball is deemed to be beyond the hoop if it lies so that it cannot be touched by a straight-edge placed against the w

of the same or the adverse side. Players can, however, mutually agree before th

ses the remainder of his turn because a rover when pegged out is out of the game and

If this spot be already occupied, the ball last sent off is to be placed in contact with the other, but no ball is to be placed less or more than three feet from the boundary, the player merely

e ball last sent off is to be placed in contact with the ball occupying the corner spot, and three feet from one of the boundaries at the option of the player. When a player roquets one of the corn

ich ball he will take croquet, and previous to his doing so he may alter the position of the other balls

a ball touching the line is deemed to be off the ground. If the boundary be r

the ground, and return to it, the ball must be similarly replac

t off the ground, is to be replaced as though it had been sent off; except in the case of the stri

, with the sanction of the umpire or the adversary, may bring in the balls a longer distance than three feet, so as to allow

e ground, he loses the remainder of his turn, unless (a) with the playing ball he make a roquet, or (b

se, or stopped by an adversary, the striker may elect whether he will take the stroke again, or whether the ball sha

e diverted from its course or stopped by an umpire, he i

moved by a foul stroke are to remain where they lie, or be replaced at the option of the adversary. If the foul be made when taking croquet, and the

other ball instead of or besides

to push a ball with

e stroke (except in the case of rolling two ball

f a ball when in play and rolling, whether

let [or any part of the player's per

ire by striking the peg or wire [i.e., to touch w

round a peg or wir

e after roquet with

ove both balls i

which the striker is n

the hoop out of the gro

ithout replacing it to the satisfaction of th

of the mallet other than one of

r touch a ball with foot o

ere immediately before the mistake was made, and the player shall recommence or continue his turn as the case may be. But if the adverse side play without the mistake being discovered the turn shall hold good, and any point or points made properly (i.e., in order for th

ade a roquet), all subsequent strokes are in error, the remainder of the turn is lost, and any point or roquet made after the mistake. The balls remai

player is entitled to be informed w

, their position, in case of dispute, shall be conc

hoop, knock a wire of that hoop out of the ground with his ball, the ho

pright a peg or hoop, except the one next in order;

y be moved with the sanction of the umpire or with the consent of the adversary. The ball

The duties of

ns that may arise during

if asked by a player to dis

s or to see that the

ff the ground or to see tha

or to see that they are prop

play or has played out of turn, or with the

opinion on, any mistake made unless appealed to by one of the players. The decision of an umpire on a questi

a ball or to set up a peg or hoop, or any other indulgence for whi

INGS, HAND

mme announcing the details of the matches, size of grounds, width of

TR

he entrance money is paid by suc

DR

lawn tennis, the byes being

) matters are arranged after this fashion. The names of the players are drawn out of a hat and written down in order. To ascertain how many of these shall be byes subtract th

us suppose that G, J and K win. Sixteen players now are left in. Consequently there will b

DIC

isques of the partners are added together and then divided by two. Thus if Miss A. (class 6) and Mr. G. (class 2), eight bisques in all, play Miss B. (class 7) and Mr

HANDI

and sixteen for double matches. One third of the time should be allotted to each game. If a game be unfinished the side ahead in points win

than one bisque can only take half its bisque

DE

ag of Ta

f wedding breakfast and

dies' golf l

AM RES

nners at Peter

ampion Cup

Croquet Asso

nd Croque

d Kenn

s Regis

by Miss W

ineage

adies' ex

ement

al of

amusem

tical) by Mrs

ing

guar

weight

draw, 218

s, advic

ecommen

commend

ional Ro

ize Mee

able for be

shot by

ing,

uitable

t needs

Dra

or ti

rd Rou

ing,

ing,

ding

recomme

ing bo

ets,

m a cl

lub Meet

sses (about

Societie

, Sir W. C.

ing, by C. L

, treatise on

sters of Harriers

Clubs, Ladies' C

hare driv

TON LI

ery,

f,

on Shoo

May, Article o

rait

ss, on Ar

Sir Jos

, ladies' go

Stud-

AG

ing,

it-shoot

g with

ng and f

y Harr

unt

, Article on

rait

ady, using

ss, archer

ard, quoted on Persia

., archery

, golfing at

Croquet

ove ladies' go

., whipping

, account of, by

terton Croqu

., Fox Hu

rait

y of Melanchol

," Meath,

W., archery

at Captiva

und) acco

entley H