Athletics

82 ATHLETICS. forward bounds, both feet being generally off the ground, never more than one touching it, the body leant forward, the arms (when sprinting) raised. Walking is thenegative of all this. The walker glides, rather than jumps, along; the height is less than when standing, as the legs are stretched out,and bodypoised abovethem. Bad habits are all too easily acquired; and the amount of attention a walker gives to his initial efforts will make or mar his future. There is no reason why any man should lay himself open to disqualification, which simply means trying to win a prize by dishonest means, as, although opinions may differ as to whether a man has or has not crossed the boundary-line of fairness, an honest and properly instructedwalker ought never to allow the point to arise, by keeping well within the border. When practising, if the novice should feel himself getting forward, let himat once straighten himself, and resume the original attitude. Never mind speed; it is better towalk the first quarter (at the maiden attempt) in three minutes properly, than to shuffle through it in half or a minute less. When he has accus­ tomed himselfto the action, he may gradually improve his pace; but he ought to have a friend present who under­ stands the game, to sound the warning note if he uncon­ sciously gets out of shape. At first the speed will be disappointing. After the rough edges are taken off, and sufficient style practice has been indulged in, a mile may be tried, slowly and regularly slacking up if the tyro feels he is over-walking himself. Perhaps a little inside ten minutes will be accomplished, and this can be gradually reduced to eight minutes (the amateur record now—Feb., 1891—stands at 6 min. 39 sees., by H. Curtis, atGreat Yarmouth,4 Aug., 1890; professional, 6 min. 23 sees., by the late W. Perkins, Lillie Bridge, London, 1 June, 1874). He may then consider