Athletics and Football (extract)

INTRODUCTION xix must not be forgotten that more genuine exercise can be got in a shorter space of time from running than probably from any other pursuit, except boxing and gymnastics, with thegreat advantage otfhe former over the two latter that the exercise is taken in the open air. There is,moreover, the greatinterest which attaches to the contestsin other colleges, universities, and clubs, affording anobject of attraction attimes when it is not necessary for men themselves to compete, andbringing together men who otherwise would remain unknown to one another, whereby acquaintanceships and friendships are formed whichare of the greatest value. A very dis­ tinguished judgewho joined the Inns of Court rifle corps in the earliest days of its existence told me that he much regretted that there was no rifle corps when he was called to the bar, as he was satisfied that many young men reading for the bar were by such means brought into contact with older members of the pro­ fession, whom under ordinarycircumstances theywould have had no opportunity of meeting. It is unnecessary here for me to enlarge upon the immense advantage to be gained from the simultaneous development ofphysical and mentalpower ; that subject has been so fully treated, and the beneficial results so conclusively demonstrated, bythose who have studied the matter from a scientific and medical point of view, particularly inconnection with the Swedish system,that any argument of mine would be out of place. I can only say that I am firmly convinced that the brain is better developed, andis more capable ofsustained effort.