Athletics

no button up the near side for part of the way, it is still more convenient. For a race the trail must be, from the pointit is first laid, continuousand clear. It is betterfor one layer to follow the other, inorder to make good the deficiencies of the leader. Of course in an ordinary run no trail is required, the captain choosing acourse; but he ought tobe well posted inthe surrounding country, or he may lead his men into difficulties. Care should also be taken, particu­ larly if it be a young club and the members novices, not to go too fast or too far a-field. RACING—STARTING AND "CLOCKING" TIME HANDICAPS. Cross-country running would, like every other form of amusement, be dull without competitions. The first step towards this is the formation of— Fast and Slow Packs—Handicapping. —Asoon as the men get sorted out, slow and fast packs ought to be formed. It adds interest and excitement to the runs if a race in for the last mile or half-mile be the rule, the reward being the club medal or tankard to the first member or novice who has never won a club prize. This brings out the recruits, and often unearths a good man. Before a race is run over any particular course the men should run over it on two or three occasions so as to learn its points. There shouldalso be a large scaleordinance map, framed, hung up in the running head-quarters, with the course or courses clearly marked thereon. A new club ought to begin with a scratch race, say, over a five mile course; this may be followed by a sealed or yacht handicap. In this sort of contest all the men start together, andat the finish each man's time is carefully taken, from which his