Athletics

CROSS-COUNTRY RUNNING. 109 them, transfer their ardour to a field more fitting for its display. Clubs ought, therefore, in their own and the wider and greater interests of the sport, to fixon some outlying hotel, where they can not only obtain suitable head-quarters with abundant ablutionary resourses, but a place which is close— the nearer the better—to a common or open land where they can get, with a minimum of road-running, genuine cross­ country work. There may be a difficulty in finding such a place, but it isworth searching for. A more central head­ quarters for business and social meetings may be chosen, where a committee-roomcan be obtained free or onominal terms. Laying the Trail, Paper-chases, and Races. —Old time followers of the game used to have great bother toprovide scent; modern membersof clubs are sparedthat trouble,as for the asking or a few pence any bookbinder will gladly give a large supply of paper-shavings. These are in long strips, much better than torn-up paper, as they clingwhere thrown, and show well. If more than one club "hunts" the same district they ought to come to an arrangement to use different coloured paper; even this will cost but a very small sum. Care must be taken not to cast scent on any common over which the London County Council has control^ or more will be heard about it. Carrying theBags. —The most effective and convenient recepticle isa bolster, or bag formed in the shape of one. This is carriedround the left side andup the back, where it is joined by a strap goingover the right shoulder; a second strap goes round the waist and keeps it in position; both arms are thus free, and it does not flap about like a bag, while the "scent" is easily reached by the right hand through aslit made in the bag for that purpose. If made to