Athletics

8o ATHLETICS. winner; but the exhibition in style he gave wasan education in itself, and was duly appreciated, as he always received more applause than the prize-annexers combined, particu­ larly when he finished alone afterthe other competitors had left the course. Since then he has proved a most able legislator in the government of sport, and risen into a great authority on Water-Polo. We quote these extremes—the Charybdis and Scyllaof walking—so that the novice may, while steering between, first cultivate style, then, and not until then,attempt to acquire speed. As a preliminary step, a pair of proper shoes must be procured, not from the local bootmaker, but from a man accustomed to the making of running and walking-shoes. If in London, itis better to interview one of the makers personally, or groundmen at Stamford Bridge or Pad- dington, sothat a proper fit may be secured. The shoes have a very low flat heel, are broader and easier than a running-pump, and lace down to the toe; forwalking on grass a very short sprig in the heel and a pin in the sole prevent slipping; but these are seldom required, and are quite unnecessaryon cinders. Socks need not be worn if the shoes fitproperly. The initial attempt ought to be made at a quiet time, when there are few people about the grounds. For the first few trials there must be no thought of doing a certain distance in a certain time. The novice must hold himself erect, head well back, arms at sides, forearms in a hori­ zontal position, and he should have a feelingof being well balanced on his pins. The left leg is swung forward, almost straight, but with an inclination to an outward sweep; this, however, must be very slight. The left foot is brought down directly in front of the right, the leg remaining stiff, the heel touching first; with the leg the