Athletics

84 ATHLETICS, the ankle-joint on the front of the leg bone. The best remedies are Anti-Stiff and Ellis's ElectricOil—the former to remove stiffness from over-exertion, or to make the muscles supple before a contest or practice. Ellis's oilquickly cures all strains and sprains, andis an invaluable adjunct to the athlete's outfit The writer can personally vouch for the efficacy of both preparations. Since theabove wasin type the writer has given practical test to another excellent remedy — "Hippacea " — with admirable results; it can be used with perfect safetywhere the skinis broken, andis effective for, whatmany athletes suffer from, piles. If the feet are tender, theyought to be soakedin salt and water, with a little alum in it. If very tired and dirty (such as after a long tramp on a cinder-path), there isnothing more cleansing and refreshing than warm water, with a plentiful supply ofHudson's Extract of Soap. Little hasbeen heardof long distance eventsof late. In 1878-81 they were very popular; but the recordsthen made still survive. T. Griffith, now a well-known press-man, walked 21 miles in 2 hrs. 57 min. 25 sees., at Lillie Bridge, on 3 Dec., 1870. There havebeen few notable races since the 30 miles promoted by the L.A.C., 27 Dec., 1880, when W. E. N. Coston won in 4 hrs. 46 min. 52 sees, (still record), so that there are not many opportunities to exercise the staying power of the walkist On Boxing Day, 1890, H. Curtis walked 10 miles, at TufnellPark, London, in 1 hr. 19 min. 27f sees. (British record). A final bit of advice tothe novice. In starting in a time handicap it is advisable to get as far on the way as possible before the scratch man leaves his mark, but of course not to walk yourself to a standstill in the first lap. If unlucky enough to be passed bya man with a shorter start, hangon to him as long as possible when he goes by,but never wait