Athletics

4 ATHLETICS. cum grano salts. These feats of individual excellence created general interest, and the introduction of" Dandy- Horses " (as described in " Cycling" *) helped to bring out the latent talent of the youth of the day. Naturally, these feats were eagerly discussed at the Universities, and improrxptu contests took place. In connection therewith, to diverge fora moment, an amusing episode may be related. At this time (1822-3), the father of the present writer was reckoned the best jumper (he could clear18 ft.) in Trinity College, Dublin. On one occasion he and some fellow- students werejumping over a very broad ditch which then existed in the College Park, when a Freshman cameup to see the fun. He was naturally challenged to show his skill, but convulsed the crowd when he made reply, "Shure, an' if I was to jump across I would fall in the middle beforeI gothalf way." Moving on a few years, we find the year the Queen as­ cended the throne a red letterdate inthe annalsof athletics ; for it was in 1837 that the Rugby Crick Run was first founded. Breathes therea manwho has not read, re-read, and re-re-read" Tom Brown's Schooldays " ? In the finish of chapter iv. there is an account of two boys running alongside ofthe coach, carrying "Tom" to Rugby forthe first time, and making the mile in 4 min. 56 sees. Then in chapter vii. are we not givena thrilling description of the Big-side Hare and Hounds ? This, a little later, became known asthe CrickRun, underwhich name itstill survives, and manymen of mark have their names inscribed onthe roll of victors. A little later "house leaping" was intro­ duced ; and an nual steeplechase, first held on 27 March, 1858, was added in honour of Tom Hughes, orrather, his "Tom Brown'sSchooldays." On the same day sports were * See "Cycling," by H.Hewitt Griffin(All England Series).