Athletics

THROWING THE HAMMER. 51 best three competitors of the first trial shall be allowed three more throws each. The farthest throw of the six shall win. All distances shall be measured from the circumference of the circle to the first pitch of the hammer,along a linedrawn from that pitch to thecentre of the circle. Crossing the scratchshall count as a try." A BRANCH of sport whichdoes not receive nearly enough encouragement south of the border. It, and Putting the Shot, afford a welcome change from the stock events, and oughtto find a place frequently on programmes. They also bring out men who have strength, but do not feel equal to running or are past their prime for more active contests; for a man may "put" or "throw" as well at forty—better, in fact—than atwenty. The first necessity is plenty of room, for novices some­ times let flyat unexpected angles. A perfectly smooth pitch must be selected, and a circle 9 ft. in dia­ meter marked out from a peg in the centre with a whitening-brush; care must be taken to make it the proper size, and round. The peg in thecentre ought then to be driven in flush with, or a little below the surface, so that it cannot trip thethrower, to assist in measuring. As a rule, the contest isdull because the crowd are unable to follow the throws; this can be obviated, trouble saved, and interest added by marking out the ground asshown in diagram. THROWING THE HAMMER. Diagram formarking ground in seg­ ments 10 feetapart, from centre of ' 9 foot circle.