Men of Muscle, and the Highland Games of Scotland, etc.

G. H. JOHNSTON, OF KINCARDINESHIRE. N OW that the cabers, balls, and hammers are laid aside, and the bagpipes and tartan are out of season, as it were, a few facts regarding the men who, like Homer's heroes, Achilles and Hector, though in a slightly different sense, are "Fellows in arms, whose deeds are known to fame," may be of interest not only to followers of this branch of sport, but to readers of the Evening Times in general.• Many may take exception to the remark anent the kilt, and maintain that it is never out of season ; and, as a matter of fact, it never is. Yet the average spectator at Highland gatherings who admires the athletes in that dress will be surprised to learn that, with the exception of Donald Dinnie, not one of the present-day champions wears the "garb of old Gaul " except where the committee at games insist upon it. The events in which the High– land dress must be worn are advertised, and no one is allowed to compete who disregards the rule. George Hardy Johnston was born, not in Aberdeen, as is generally stated, but in Portlathen, Kincardineshire, on the 23rd September, 1864, so that he is now 36 years of age. He stands 6 feet r inch in height, and in good con– dition weighs r 5 stone. At throwing the hammer he holds premier honours, and stands next to Donald Dinnie as the greatest athlete of the end of the century. At putting the b:111 and tossing the caber George is an exponent with few equals, while in Cumberland wrestling he is undoubtedly • This was the beginning of the arLicles in Times. 54