Success in Athletics and how to obtain it

8 SUCCESS IN ATHLETICS excels in jumping is descended from a stock of jumpers ; the stayer inherits the power of endurance from the bloodstock of stayers. In just the same way, the human five-furlong runner has the sprinting qualities of his progenitors. " Breed is something in the animal-horse, yet in these days of so-called equality there is no such thing to be found in the animal-man " is the opinion of some. Environment has perhaps much to do with the physical development of man. Those who live in hilly districts share to a large degree the characteristics of the rugged country in which they live. He who climbs and descends hills will have a better foot than he who has never climbed a hill loftier than Primrose Hill. The truth of the influence of surroundings is well exemplified by the long sight of those who are bred upon the mountains, as opposed to those who are reared within the narrow vision-limits of cities. The muscles of the limbs are interdependent one upon another; it is therefore with their perfect equality and balance that the best and smoothest movements are attained. In the perfection of athleticism you have the Poetry of Motion. How many we see upon the running-track, however, who exhibit clumsy and awkward contortions which cannot even be classified as the " Bad Prose of Motion"! The untrammelled co-ordination of muscles is essential for the best re– sults. Individually and collectively the muscles then move one upon the other and in combination. It will doubtless surprise many to learn that there is a prominent muscle-it ought to be prominent in the athlete--fastened on the front and side portions of the haunch-bone, which has a most important in– fluence upon the well-being of the arches of the foot,